The Difference Between Regular Glasses and Myopia Management

If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia), you may think that simply wearing glasses is all that’s needed to correct their vision. However, traditional glasses and myopia management are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for your child’s long-term eye health.

What Do Regular Glasses Do?

Regular glasses or contact lenses are designed to correct blurry vision caused by refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. They work by bending light so that it focuses properly on the retina, allowing for clear vision at all distances.

While this helps your child see clearly, traditional glasses do not stop or slow the progression of myopia. This means that over time, your child’s prescription may continue to increase, potentially leading to stronger lenses and a greater risk of future eye complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management focuses not only on correcting vision but also on slowing the progression of nearsightedness. Using advanced methods such as specialized contact lenses, prescription eye drops, or orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, this approach helps protect your child’s eyesight as they grow.

Common myopia management treatments include:

•           Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) - custom-fitted lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day.

•           Atropine eye drops - low-dose drops that have been shown to reduce the rate of myopia progression.

•           Multifocal contact lenses - daily disposable lenses designed with special optical zones to help reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression in children.

At Advanced Eyecare Consultants, our eye doctor in Libertyville, IL uses the latest diagnostic technology to determine which approach is best for your child.

Why Myopia Management Matters for Children

Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes early intervention crucial. Without treatment, myopia often worsens as a child grows. This is why we recommend pediatric eye exams in Libertyville to detect early signs of nearsightedness and track changes over time. By choosing myopia management in Libertyville, you’re helping your child not only see better today but also preserve their eye health for the future.

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam at Advanced Eyecare Consultants

While regular glasses provide clear vision, myopia management goes a step further - protecting your child’s eyes from worsening nearsightedness and reducing long-term risks. The earlier the treatment begins, the more effective it can be.
 

If you’re concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, contact Advanced Eyecare Consultants to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about myopia management options. Visit our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. Please call (847) 994-4500 or (847) 438-7700 to book an appointment today.