Standard glasses correct blurry vision. Myopia management slows the rate at which your child’s eyes keep getting worse — and reduces the long-term health risks that come with high myopia.
1019 W University Ave, Ste 605, Georgetown, TX 78628
Mon–Sat
Walk-ins welcome
Dr. Dana Dang
Accepting new patients
Georgetown families come to our Wolf Ranch office asking about myopia management after their pediatrician or school nurse flags that a prescription has jumped again. We evaluate whether the rate of change qualifies for active management and which treatment approach fits the child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle.
of the world's population expected to be myopic by 2050
increased risk of retinal detachment in adults with high myopia vs. low myopia
average reduction in myopia progression with myopia management treatment
Every nearsighted child gets a glasses prescription. That prescription makes distant objects clear. What it does not do is address the underlying process causing the eye to keep elongating — and it is that elongation, continuing year after year through childhood and adolescence, that turns moderate myopia into high myopia.
High myopia, defined as -6.00 diopters or more, significantly increases the lifetime risk of serious eye conditions including retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, and early cataract formation. These are not theoretical risks. They are documented outcomes of unchecked axial growth during the years when the eye is most susceptible to intervention.
Myopia management does not replace glasses or contact lenses. It works alongside them to slow the rate of axial elongation — ideally catching a child early enough to keep their adult prescription in a range where those risks remain low.
the eye grows longer than it should, bending light in front of the retina rather than on it
prescription that worsens by measurable amounts year over year through childhood
prescription of -6.00 or stronger, associated with significantly elevated eye disease risk
most serious complication of high myopia; risk increases sharply above -6.00
stretching of the retina from elongated eyes damages the central vision area
Early-onset glaucoma
Correct distance blur effectively. Do not address the peripheral defocus signals that drive continued axial elongation. Prescription typically continues to increase year over year without additional intervention.
Corrects distance blur and actively reduces the signals driving eye elongation. Clinical studies show 50 to 60 percent average reduction in progression rate. Most effective when started early, before significant axial length has accumulated.
Custom rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea. The child wears no lenses during the day and sees clearly. Strong evidence for slowing axial elongation. Best for children aged 8 and up who can manage lens insertion and removal.
Daily or monthly soft lenses with a dual-focus design that corrects central vision while creating peripheral defocus signals that slow eye growth. A good option for children who are already comfortable with contact lenses.
Nightly drops at very low concentrations (0.025% to 0.05%) that slow myopia progression through a mechanism separate from optical correction. Can be used alone or combined with optical treatments for enhanced effect.
Specialized glasses lenses with a peripheral defocus design (such as Hoya MiyoSmart or Essilor Stellest) that provide myopia control without requiring contact lenses. A good starting point for younger children or those not yet ready for contacts.
Same-day evaluations often available · most insurance accepted · starting at age 6
Billing note:
Myopia management evaluations are typically billed as medical or vision visits depending on the services performed. Specialty contact lenses for myopia control (ortho-k and multifocal) are generally not covered by standard vision insurance but may be partially covered under some medical plans. Low-dose atropine drops are compounded and require a prescription; coverage varies. We review cost and coverage options at the evaluation appointment.
Accepting new patients
Myopia management is a proactive treatment approach that uses specialty lenses or low-dose eye drops to slow the rate at which a child’s nearsightedness progresses. It does not cure myopia, but it significantly reduces how much worse the prescription gets each year — and reduces the long-term health risks that come with high myopia.
Clinical studies show an average of 50 to 60 percent reduction in the rate of myopia progression with myopia management treatment, compared to standard single-vision glasses. Results vary by individual, treatment type, and how early management begins.
Not every child needs active myopia management — some have stable prescriptions that do not require intervention. We evaluate the rate of progression, current prescription, age, and risk factors at the evaluation appointment to determine whether management is warranted and which approach makes sense.
Treatment typically continues through the mid-teenage years, when the eye generally stabilizes. Most children remain in a myopia management program from the time of diagnosis through approximately age 16 to 18, with annual monitoring to assess whether the approach is working and whether adjustments are needed.
Yes. Children in myopia management often still wear glasses or standard contact lenses for some activities, depending on the treatment. Ortho-k patients wear no correction during the day. Children on atropine drops or myopia-control glasses wear their correction normally.
Management significantly slows progression rather than stopping it entirely. Most studies show a 50 to 60 percent reduction in the rate of change compared to standard glasses. That reduction matters most in avoiding high myopia in adulthood. Call 737-284-9595.