Myopia Control

Helping Your Kids See Clearly—Now & in the Future

Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming more common in children, and without intervention, it can worsen over time. We offer myopia control solutions to not only correct vision but also slow the progression of nearsightedness, reducing the risk of future eye health concerns.

Our eye doctors in St. Thomas use myopia control methods, including MiYOSMART lenses, Stellest lenses, MiSight contact lenses, and Jena Refocus lenses to help manage your child’s vision. Your child’s vision can be tricky to navigate, but we’re here to help.

It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Don’t let myopia slow your kids down—contact us to schedule their eye exam today.

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What Is Myopia & Why Does It Worsen?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision.

For children, myopia can progress as their eyes continue to grow. Higher levels of myopia not only require stronger glasses but also increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

How Myopia Control Works

Myopia control methods slow down the elongation of the eye, helping to keep prescriptions lower and reducing long-term risks. At First Optometry, we offer:

MiYOSMART lenses: These specialized lenses use D.I.M.S. (defocus incorporated multiple segments) technology to slow myopia progression by up to 60% while providing clear vision. Plus, they’re impact-resistant for active kids.
Stellest lenses: These myopia control glasses help reduce the progression of myopia with innovative lens technology designed for growing eyes.
MiSight contact lenses: These daily disposable contacts are clinically proven to slow myopia progression by up to 59% over 3 years, making them a great option for kids comfortable with contact lenses.
Jena Refocus lenses: Jena Refocus is designed to slow the progression of myopia among children. The single-vision freeform lens has a clear central zone and a defocused mid-periphery.

We’ll help determine which option is best suited for your child’s lifestyle and vision needs during their comprehensive eye exam.

The Link Between Vision & Learning

Good vision plays a vital role in a child’s education. When kids struggle to see clearly, it can impact their ability to read, focus, and engage in the classroom. Myopia, in particular, can make it harder to see the board, follow along in lessons, and complete schoolwork with confidence.

Children with undiagnosed vision issues may:

Have trouble keeping up with reading and writing
Experience eye strain and headaches during schoolwork
Struggle with focus and attention in class

Regular eye exams help detect vision problems early, and myopia control can support your child’s learning by keeping their vision clear and comfortable.

Can Myopia Be Prevented?

While genetics play a role in myopia development, lifestyle factors can also contribute. Studies show that spending more time outdoors and limiting screen time can help slow or prevent its onset.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:

At least 90 minutes of outdoor play per day
Limited screen time before age 3 and a max of 1 hour per day until age 9

Encouraging outdoor activities and healthy screen habits can help protect your child’s vision.

Book Your Myopia Control Consultation

Managing myopia early can make a big difference in your child’s future eye health. Our optometrists in St. Thomas are here to guide you through myopia control options tailored to your child’s vision.

Contact us to schedule your child’s myopia control consultation and take the next step in protecting their sight.

Request Appointment