If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness, you may already know that myopia management can help slow its progression. These treatments reduce the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases later in life – a compelling reason to consider early intervention. Still, some parents hesitate to move forward because of the upfront costs.
But here’s the reality: while myopia management may feel like a bigger investment now, it often leads to fewer expenses – and fewer complications – in the long run. When you consider the lifelong costs of stronger prescriptions, higher risk of eye disease, and more frequent eyewear changes, the numbers start to tell a different story.
Why Slowing Myopia Progression Matters
Nearsightedness happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a child’s eye continues to grow, their myopia worsens – and their prescription can increase every 6 to 12 months.
Traditional glasses and contacts help correct vision, but they don’t prevent the eye from continuing to elongate. That’s where myopia management comes in. These treatments – including orthokeratology (Ortho-K), low-dose atropine drops, and specially designed soft lenses – aim to slow down that elongation, protecting the structure of the eye itself.
This is crucial, because the more the eye stretches, the more pressure it puts on the retina – the part of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain.
A longer eye increases the likelihood of developing:
- Retinal detachment
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Each of these conditions carries the risk of permanent vision loss. Myopia management doesn’t just preserve clearer vision in the present – it helps safeguard your child’s future eyesight.
The Financial Case for Myopia Management
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Global Health found that managing myopia in children – using treatments like special lenses – can significantly reduce the chances of developing high myopia and serious vision problems later in life. The study also showed that these treatments are cost-effective, meaning the benefits to a child’s long-term eye health are well worth the investment.
Here’s why the savings add up:
- Children with managed myopia often reach adulthood with milder prescriptions, which means less frequent changes in eyewear.
- High-prescription lenses and specialty contacts tend to be more expensive – and are often needed more frequently in unmonitored cases.
- Preventing vision-threatening diseases can mean avoiding thousands of dollars in future surgeries, treatments, or assistive devices.
Beyond the monetary savings, there’s the emotional and practical benefit of reducing your child’s risk of serious eye disease. Vision loss affects quality of life, independence, and education – things that are difficult to quantify, but critical to protect.
Myopia Management in Fort Worth: Personalized Care at Altig Optical
At our eye practice, we understand that cost is just one piece of the puzzle. Our team works closely with families to explain the science behind myopia progression, how each treatment works, and what to expect over time.
We offer evidence-based options tailored to your child’s needs and lifestyle, including Ortho-K lenses, soft multifocal lenses, and atropine therapy. Our goal is to stabilize your child’s vision and lower their risk of serious complications – not just this year, but for life.
Call us at (817) 391-7956 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your child’s vision now and into the future.
We proudly serve families from Fort Worth, Newark, Springtown, North Richland Hills, and surrounding communities.
FAQ
What are the risk factors for developing myopia?
- Genetics, limited time outdoors, excessive screen time, and high amounts of near work (like reading or tablet use) all increase the risk. If one or both parents are nearsighted, a child is more likely to develop myopia.
When does myopia stop progressing?
- Myopia usually stabilizes in the early to mid-20s, after most body growth has stopped. However, in some cases, myopia can continue to worsen into adulthood – especially if it's not managed during childhood and teen years.
Can myopia management reverse nearsightedness?
- No – myopia management can’t reverse the elongation that’s already happened, but it can significantly slow the rate of progression going forward. The goal is to keep the prescription lower and reduce the risk of future eye disease.
Is myopia management covered by insurance?
- It depends on your insurance plan. Some policies may cover certain treatment types or exam costs, while others may consider it elective. Our team can help you understand your benefits and explore payment options.