Myopia Management @ McLean Visual Health

At Visual Health Doctors of Optometry, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to patients across Virginia. With nine conveniently located offices in Alexandria, Ashburn, Arlington (Ballston and Clarendon), Fairfax and Vienna, Falls Church, Herndon, Springfield, and Woodbridge, we make it easy for families to access advanced eye care services tailored to their needs.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. This condition occurs when the eyeball is elongated or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and progresses as the eye grows.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

Recognizing the symptoms of myopia is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty seeing distant objects

  • Squinting or straining the eyes to see clearly

  • Frequent headaches caused by eye strain

  • Holding books, screens, or objects very close to the eyes

  • Poor performance in activities requiring good distance vision

Why Myopia Management is Important

Unchecked myopia can significantly affect a child’s development, learning, and overall quality of life. In the classroom, clear vision is essential for academic success. Children with myopia may struggle to see the board or follow along during lessons, leading to frustration and falling behind their peers. Beyond academics, myopia can also impact social development by limiting participation in sports and other activities, which can affect confidence and peer relationships.

Progressive myopia also poses serious long-term risks to eye health. High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, increases the likelihood of developing sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy, a condition where the retina degenerates due to excessive stretching. Early intervention through myopia management is essential for reducing these risks, ensuring not only clearer vision but also lifelong eye health and well-being.

Myopia Management Treatment Options

At Visual Health Doctors of Optometry, we offer cutting-edge solutions to help manage and slow the progression of myopia. Our tailored treatment plans include the following options:

  • Atropine Eye Drops
    Atropine eye drops are a low-dose, prescription medication applied nightly. They work by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism and slowing the elongation of the eyeball. Atropine can effectively reduce myopia progression in children, making it a trusted option for many families.

  • MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses
    MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are FDA-approved soft lenses designed specifically for children with myopia. These lenses provide clear vision while using special optical technology to slow the progression of myopia. Daily disposability ensures convenience, hygiene, and comfort for young wearers.

  • Overnight Contact Lenses
    Overnight contact senses involve wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. These lenses effectively slow the progression of myopia in children and teenagers.

Prioritize Your Child’s Vision Health Today

Managing myopia is more than just correcting blurry vision—it’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health, academic success, and overall quality of life. At Visual Health Doctors of Optometry, we are committed to providing personalized care and advanced treatment options to help slow myopia progression and reduce the risks of future eye conditions.

To find out more about Visual Health myopia care and treatments, click below and our McLean office will reach out to you and schedule a consultation today.