Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just a common childhood vision problem. It’s a progressive condition that can impact a child’s long-term eye health if left unchecked. At OPMT Vision Centers, we help kids across Middle Tennessee see clearly today while protecting their vision for tomorrow.
Myopia management is one of the most important tools we have to safeguard healthy sight during a child’s most critical years of development. With locations in Nashville, Lebanon, Portland, Lafayette, Hartsville, Hendersonville, and Carthage, our eye doctors offer several evidence-based myopia control treatments to slow progression and reduce the risks of serious eye diseases later in life.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry while near vision remains clear. It often begins in early childhood and worsens as the eyes grow. Without proper management, myopia can increase the risk of serious conditions such as:
- Retinal detachment: More likely in eyes with advanced myopia
- Glaucoma: Long-term myopia increases the risk
- Cataracts: May develop earlier in those with myopia
- Macular degeneration: Associated with excessive eye elongation
If your child’s prescription keeps increasing, that’s a clear sign their myopia is progressing. But glasses alone don’t slow down that progression. That’s where our myopia control treatments come in.
Our Myopia Control Treatments: Personalized and Proven
At OPMT, we take the time to understand your child’s unique prescription, lifestyle, and visual demands before recommending a course of action. We offer three primary methods of myopia control, each backed by clinical research and tailored for different types of patients:
Stellest™ Lenses
These specialized lenses are worn just like regular glasses but work differently. Stellest™ lenses feature a constellation of lenslets that redirect light and signal the eye to slow elongation, the root cause of myopia progression. They’re a great option for kids who are already comfortable wearing glasses and need an all-day solution.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are a low-dose prescription treatment applied at bedtime. They help reduce the eye’s growth rate, significantly slowing myopia progression in many children. This option works well for patients who aren’t ready for contacts or orthokeratology. Providers can also combine it with other treatment methods when appropriate.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Also known as molding lenses, ortho-k is a non-surgical contact lens therapy worn overnight. These lenses work overnight to adjust the cornea, so your child can see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. In addition to reducing the need for daytime eyewear, ortho‑k effectively slows myopia progression in growing children.
Each of these options has different benefits. Our team helps guide families toward the right choice based on their child’s age, activity level, and prescription history.
Why Early Treatment Makes a Difference
The earlier we can begin managing myopia, the more effective the treatment can be. Because children’s eyes are still developing, slowing progression during those formative years offers a better chance at protecting their vision long term. Catching myopia early also reduces the likelihood of developing high myopia, which comes with more serious ocular health risks as a person ages.
At OPMT, our eye doctors closely monitor your child’s visual development and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing, personalized care lets us deliver visible improvements and helps parents feel confident about their child’s care.
Our Personalized Approach to Myopia Management
When it comes to myopia control, we don’t just prescribe and send families on their way. We stay with them every step of the process. From the first evaluation to long-term follow-up, we make sure your child’s treatment plan is working and make changes if it’s not.
We also educate families about lifestyle habits that can impact myopia, including outdoor time, screen use, and reading posture. Because while advanced treatments are critical, good visual habits at home can also play an important role.
What sets OPMT apart is our wide range of options. Many practices offer one or two approaches to myopia treatment. We offer all three major evidence-backed methods, Stellest™ lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology, so we can create a plan that fits your child’s needs.
Myopia Treatment in Middle Tennessee
OPMT is one of Middle Tennessee’s most trusted names in pediatric myopia care. Our eye doctors have experience in managing nearsightedness across a range of ages and prescription levels, and we use the latest tools to track eye growth and treatment effectiveness.
We understand how important your child’s vision is to their daily life and future health. That’s why we focus on building a supportive partnership with families, empowering you with options and guidance to protect your child’s sight.
With offices in Nashville, Lebanon, Portland, Lafayette, Hartsville, Hendersonville, and Carthage, we make it easy to access advanced myopia care close to home.
Book Your Child’s Myopia Assessment Today
If your child’s prescription keeps increasing year after year, or if you’re just starting to notice signs of nearsightedness, OPMT Vision Centers is here to help.
We’ll explain every option and help you choose a plan that works for your child now and in the years ahead.
Schedule an appointment to explore myopia control treatments like Stellest™ lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology. Let’s work together to protect your child’s vision for the years ahead.