— Myopia Management
Myopia Management
in Fort Collins
If your child has trouble seeing the board at school, squints at distant signs or needs stronger prescriptions over time, an eye exam can help you understand what is changing. Myopia management in Fort Collins gives families a plan for correcting blurry distance vision and, when appropriate, addressing how childhood myopia progresses.
At Poudre Valley Eyecare, our eye doctors start with your child’s vision, eye health, prescription history and daily routine. We explain the available options, answer your questions and recommend care that fits your child. Our Focus is You.
What Is Childhood Myopia?
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, makes distant objects look blurry while close objects may remain clear. It happens when light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood and can change into early adulthood. Family history can raise a child’s likelihood of developing it. Squinting, eye strain and trouble seeing at a distance can be signs, but an eye exam is needed to understand the cause. The National Eye Institute explains myopia and its symptoms.
— Vision correction
A standard glasses or contact lens prescription can sharpen distance vision.
— Myopia control
Myopia control has another goal: to slow prescription progression in children who are good candidates.
National Eye Institute research distinguishes vision correction from progression control. Your child’s plan may include one or both.
Why Families Consider Myopia Management
A changing prescription can affect school, sports and everyday activities. Parents also want to know whether there is a reasonable way to slow further change. Higher levels of myopia are associated with a greater risk of some eye problems, including retinal detachment. Regular monitoring helps our eye doctors follow your child’s vision and eye health without assuming that complications will occur.
Myopia management does not cure nearsightedness or guarantee that a child’s prescription will stop changing. The right approach depends on age, prescription, eye health, comfort with lenses or drops, and the family’s ability to follow the care routine. Some children may benefit from active management, while others may need prescription correction and observation.
Myopia Control Options
Our eye doctors may discuss ortho-k, multifocal contact lenses, low-dose atropine or specialty glasses based on exam findings and your child’s needs. No single option suits every child. Benefits, limitations, care requirements and follow-up all belong in the decision.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Specialty Myopia-Control Glasses
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Some soft multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision while changing how light reaches the peripheral retina. In the NIH-funded BLINK randomized trial, the studied high-add multifocal lenses slowed myopia progression in selected children compared with single-vision contacts. That result does not mean every multifocal design will have the same effect. See the National Eye Institute’s BLINK trial summary.
Children using contact lenses need a proper fit, healthy eyes and reliable hygiene habits. Our contact lens fitting service helps us evaluate fit, comfort, vision and handling.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-k uses specially fitted rigid contact lenses worn during sleep. The lenses reshape the cornea for temporary vision correction, which may reduce dependence on daytime glasses or contacts. The effect reverses after lens wear stops.
Sleeping in contact lenses carries an infection risk, including microbial keratitis. Careful cleaning, correct wear and follow-up are essential. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains how orthokeratology works and its safety considerations. We will discuss whether your child can manage the routine with adult support.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine is another option used for some children with progressing myopia. As of October 2026, low-dose atropine is used off-label for myopia in the United States, meaning it has not received FDA approval for this purpose. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus describes its current regulatory status. It is often prepared by a compounding pharmacy.
Possible effects can include pupil dilation, allergic reactions and blurred near vision, according to AAPOS patient guidance.
Results vary across formulations and studies. In one NIH-funded U.S. trial, the studied low-dose formulation did not outperform placebo. This finding reinforces the need for individualized selection and monitoring. See the National Eye Institute trial summary.
Specialty Myopia-Control Glasses
Specialty eyeglass lens designs for slowing pediatric myopia progression are available, including a design authorized by the FDA in 2025. Eligibility depends on the child and the product criteria. We can discuss suitability and help you understand the prescription. Check product availability before choosing where to fill it.
Individual results may vary. Please schedule a comprehensive eye exam for personalized recommendations.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit
Your visit begins with a conversation about what you and your child have noticed. We may review current and previous prescriptions, family history, school or activity needs, lens experience and any concerns about eye drops or contacts. Bring current glasses and prior prescriptions if you have them.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctors assess vision, prescription and eye health. If myopia management may help, we will explain suitable options and the responsibilities that come with each one. You will have time to discuss comfort, hygiene, outdoor time and breaks during extended near work, and how a plan would fit your household. These habits can complement prescribed care. Eye exams, vision correction and any recommended treatment remain essential parts of the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no universal timeline. Myopia can progress through childhood and sometimes into early adulthood. Your child’s prescription pattern, eye health, treatment response and ability to follow the routine will guide how long management continues. We will review progress and discuss when it makes sense to continue, change or stop an approach.
— Since 1991
Schedule a Myopia Evaluation in Fort Collins
If your child’s distance vision has changed or you want to discuss myopia control, we are ready to help. Poudre Valley Eyecare has served Fort Collins families since 1991 with approachable, personalized care. Request an appointment or call (970) 493-6360 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at 1820 South College Avenue, Suite B, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Individual results may vary. Please schedule a comprehensive eye exam for personalized recommendations.