FAQ: Myopia Management in Santa Monica, CA

Myopia management is treatment designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. It works by guiding how the eye grows so prescriptions don’t worsen as quickly over time. At Ocean Park Optometry in Santa Monica, myopia management plans may include specialty contact lenses or atropine drops based on your child’s needs.

Children who are becoming more nearsighted each year are strong candidates for myopia management in Santa Monica, CA. This is especially important for kids with a family history of myopia or early-onset nearsightedness. Our Santa Monica eye doctors can determine if your child qualifies after a pediatric eye exam and a review of prescription changes.

A child may need myopia management if their glasses prescription increases frequently or they struggle to see the board at school. Squinting, sitting close to screens, and headaches can also be signs. A pediatric eye exam in Santa Monica at Ocean Park Optometry can confirm myopia and track progression so treatment can start at the right time.

Eye doctors often recommend myopia management when a child shows progressive myopia, especially during the grade-school and early teen years. Starting earlier can help slow changes during the years when the eye tends to grow fastest. At Ocean Park Optometry in Santa Monica, we look at age, rate of change, and lifestyle factors before recommending treatment.

Regular glasses and standard contacts help comprensate blurry vision but do not typically slow myopia progression. Myopia management treatments are designed to correct vision and help reduce how quickly the prescription increases. In Santa Monica, Ocean Park Optometry offers myopia management options such as Ortho-K, soft multifocal contacts, Essilor Stellest lenses, and atropine drops.

A myopia management appointment includes a detailed eye exam, measurements of vision and focusing, and testing that helps determine how myopia is changing. Your Santa Monica optometrist may recommend additional scans or measurements to guide treatment selection. At Ocean Park Optometry, we also review daily habits like screen time and outdoor time to support results.

Starting myopia management can be quick once your child’s exam results are complete and a treatment is selected. Some options, like atropine drops or specialty glasses, may begin soon after the initial visit. Others, like Ortho-K or soft multifocal contact lenses, may require a fitting process. Ocean Park Optometry in Santa Monica will outline the timeline clearly.

Myopia management treatments in Santa Monica may include Ortho-K, Essilor Stellest lenses, soft multifocal contact lenses, and atropine eye drops. Each option has different benefits based on age, prescription, daily routine, and comfort with contacts. At Ocean Park Optometry, our Santa Monica eye doctors match treatment to the child’s needs and monitor progress over time.

Ortho-K uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. This provides clear daytime vision without glasses and can help slow myopia progression. Ortho-K in Santa Monica includes a detailed fitting and follow-up schedule to ensure the lenses are safe, comfortable, and effective.

Atropine eye drops are low-dose prescription drops used at night to help slow the progression of myopia. They don’t replace vision correction, so children may still need glasses or contacts for clear sight. Our eye doctor may recommend atropine as a standalone option or combined with other myopia management treatments depending on your child’s exam findings.

The cost of myopia management in Santa Monica can vary based on factors such as the type of care provided, diagnostic testing involved, and individual patient needs. Because no two treatment plans are the same, pricing is typically determined after an initial evaluation. At Ocean Park Optometry, our team is happy to review expected costs and answer questions once your specific needs have been assessed.

Insurance coverage for myopia management depends on your individual plan and the reason the service is being provided. Some services may be covered in full or in part, while others may require out-of-pocket payment. Ocean Park Optometry accepts a variety of insurance plans and can help verify your benefits prior to your appointment so you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

Many families use payment options when services are not fully covered by insurance. Payment flexibility may depend on the treatment type, such as Ortho-K fittings, specialty lenses, or ongoing follow-ups. Our eye care team can review available payment options and explain what is included in your child’s myopia management plan.

Choose a provider with experience in myopia management, access to multiple treatment options, and a clear follow-up plan. It also helps to select an office that regularly performs pediatric eye exams and can track changes over time. Ocean Park Optometry’s eye doctors in Santa Monica focus on personalized treatment recommendations and consistent monitoring for children.

Families choose Ocean Park Optometry because we offer multiple evidence-based myopia management treatments in Santa Monica and tailor plans to each child. We take time to explain options like Ortho-K, Essilor Stellest lenses, soft multifocal contacts, and atropine drops in simple terms. Our team also prioritizes thorough pediatric eye exams and ongoing progress checks.