Childhood myopia is becoming increasingly common, and for many families, it raises important questions about long-term eye health. At Ocean Park Optometry, our eye doctors in Santa Monica, California provide comprehensive myopia control eye exams designed to do more than simply check vision - they help us understand how your child’s eyes are developing and how to slow myopia progression over time.

Understanding Your Child’s Vision Needs

A myopia control eye exam goes beyond a standard vision screening. These specialized exams are designed to evaluate not only whether your child is nearsighted, but also how their eyes are growing and changing.

During a myopia control eye exam, we may perform:

A comprehensive eye exam to assess visual acuity and overall eye health
Refraction testing to determine the degree of nearsightedness
Eye growth measurements, such as axial length, to understand how the eye is elongating
Binocular vision and focusing tests to evaluate how the eyes work together

These tests help us accurately diagnose myopia and identify risk factors for progression, especially in children with a family history of nearsightedness.

Monitoring Myopia Progression

Myopia is not a one-time diagnosis - it often changes as children grow. Monitoring progression is a key part of effective myopia control in Santa Monica, CA. Tracking changes over time allows us to adjust treatment strategies and intervene early if myopia is advancing too quickly.

How Often Should Myopia Control Eye Exams Be Scheduled?

For most children, annual myopia control eye exams are recommended. In some cases, especially if myopia is progressing rapidly or a management treatment is already in place, more frequent visits may be advised. Regular exams ensure we stay ahead of changes and provide timely adjustments to your child’s care plan.

What Happens After the Exam?

If your child is diagnosed with myopia or shows signs of progression, the next step is exploring personalized myopia management treatments. Our eye doctors will discuss options based on your child’s age, lifestyle, prescription, and eye health.

At Ocean Park Optometry, we offer evidence-based myopia control solutions, including:

Essilor Stellest Lenses: Specialty spectacle lenses designed to slow myopia progression while providing clear, comfortable vision for daily wear.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Custom-designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, allowing children to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts while helping manage myopia progression.
MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control in children.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are used daily to help relax focusing mechanisms in the eye and slow myopia progression, often combined with other treatments for enhanced results.

Our goal is to create a treatment plan that fits seamlessly into your child’s routine while providing effective long-term vision protection.

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

Managing myopia early can reduce the risk of higher prescriptions later in life and lower the chances of future eye health complications. With the right care and consistent monitoring, children with myopia can maintain healthier vision as they grow.

Schedule Your Child’s Myopia Control Eye Exam Today

Myopia control starts with the right exam and a team that understands your child’s unique vision needs. At Ocean Park Optometry, our experienced eye doctors in Santa Monica, California are committed to providing proactive, personalized myopia care.

Schedule your child’s myopia control eye exam and take the first step toward protecting their vision for the future.