Myopia Control Glasses for Children in West University Place
If your child’s glasses prescription seems to change every year (sometimes drastically), let us first say, it’s common. But we understand it can also be frustrating.
Childhood myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common, progressing faster, and starting earlier than ever before.
At Monocle, we take a proactive, evidence-based approach to children’s vision. That means we help your child see clearly now, while focusing on protecting their long-term eye health as they grow.
And one of the most effective, child-friendly tools we offer is Myopia control glasses, including clinically supported options like Essilor Stellest® lenses.
What Is Myopia, and Why Does It Matter in Children?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means your child can see up close but has difficulty seeing things far away. In kids, myopia usually develops between ages 5 and 12 and tends to progress as the eyes continue to grow.
Here’s the important part parents often don’t hear…
Myopia isn’t just about blurry distance vision.
As myopia progresses, the eye grows longer than it should. Over time, higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of serious eye conditions later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
(No pressure, right? Deep breath. This is why early care matters. And the fact that you’re reading this means you’re doing exactly the right thing.)
Why Childhood Myopia Often Progresses
The short version is that:
- Kids’ eyes are still developing
- The modern way of the world brings an increased amount of close-up work (i.e., homework, screens, homework on screens)
- Less outdoor time
- Family history of myopia
And while standard glasses correct blurry vision, they don’t address what’s causing the eye to continue growing.
Which brings us to the difference between seeing clearly and managing myopia.
Why Myopia Control Is Different From Regular Glasses
Traditional single-vision glasses help your child see clearly at a specific distance. But what they don’t do is slow the progression of myopia.
Myopia control glasses, on the other hand, are specifically designed to:
- Provide clear central vision
- Send signals to the eye that help slow excessive growth
- Support healthier vision development over time
Think of it like braces for the eyes. It’s like guiding things while growth is still happening.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Research consistently shows that myopia control is most effective when started early, while the eyes are still developing. Slowing progression in childhood can significantly reduce the final level of myopia a child reaches as an adult.
At Monocle, we focus on appropriate intervention for your child’s specific stage and needs. If myopia control makes sense for your child, we’ll explain why and offer a path forward.
How Myopia Control Glasses Work
In simple terms, standard glasses focus light directly on the center of the retina but may allow peripheral (side) light to focus behind it. That peripheral signal can encourage the eye to keep growing longer.
On the other hand, myopia control lenses provide clear vision where your child is looking. They include specialized lens zones that manage how light hits the peripheral retina.
What Your Child Will (And Won’t) Notice
If you decide myopia control glasses like Essilor Stellest® lenses are right for your child, your child will probably experience:
- Clear, comfortable vision
- Glasses that look and feel normal
- Easy daily wear
And they will (happily) not have to worry about:
- No learning curve
- No invasive treatments
The Lens Technology We Use at Monocle West University
When it comes to myopia control, not all lenses are created equal. At Monocle, we choose lens technology based on clinical evidence, safety, and real-world wearability.
What are Essilor Stellest® Lenses?
Essilor Stellest® lenses are designed to give clear, comfortable vision and help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in kids and teens. Using advanced lens technology, Stellest lenses look and feel like regular glasses while supporting long-term eye health. It’s a smart, simple upgrade that pairs perfectly with any frame. And your child won’t even notice the difference, aside from the fact that they can now see better.
Why We Recommend Stellest Lenses
They’re FDA-authorized for myopia control. They’re backed by clinical studies. They’re non-invasive and child-friendly. And they’re compatible with a wide range of glasses frames.
But they’re not always the right choice for every child. That’s why lens selection at Monocle is guided by your child’s prescription, age, progression rate, and lifestyle. We don’t prescribe blanket recommendations. So it’s important to schedule an appointment with your optometrist if you’re considering Stellest lenses and see if they’re the right fit for your child.
Frames Kids Actually Want to Wear
Let’s be honest… glasses only work if kids wear them.
At Monocle, we curate a thoughtful selection of children’s and teen frames that are comfortable, durable, stylish, and ensure a proper fit for developing faces.
Essilor Stellest® lenses can be paired with any of our frames so your child can choose what they feel most confident in. Whether they prefer something classic, colorful, or subtle, we’ll help them find a frame they’ll actually keep on their face.
Our Myopia Control Process at Monocle
We know starting something new for your child can feel overwhelming. Visits at our office are designed to feel comfortable and reassuring. Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:
Step 1: Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
We start with a thorough exam that goes way beyond the “can they see the letters?” test to assess overall eye health, vision development, and current prescription.
Step 2: Risk and progression assessment
We evaluate:
- Prescription history
- Rate of myopia progression
- Family history
- Visual habits and lifestyle
This helps us determine whether myopia control is appropriate and which approach makes the most sense.
Step 3: Discussing your options
Whether it’s through glasses, contact lenses, low-dose atropine drops, or something else, there are several myopia management tools available. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each and answer your questions.
Step 4: Custom lens and frame fitting
If myopia control glasses are recommended, we’ll fit Essilor Stellest® lenses into frames that suit your child’s face, prescription, and daily life.
Step 5: Ongoing monitoring and support
Myopia control takes ongoing check-ins. We’ll track progress, monitor eye growth, and adjust the plan as your child grows.
We’re partners in this. And we’re here to support you through it all.
Is Myopia Control Right for Your Child?
If your child’s prescription has increased each year, myopia started at a young age, one or both parents are nearsighted, or your child spends a lot of time on or near screens, it’s a good idea to get your child evaluated.
Like with any other health issue, early intervention often leads to better outcomes. And if you’re unsure, that’s okay. A pediatric eye exam can help clarify whether myopia control is appropriate now or something to revisit later.
Schedule a Childhood Myopia Control Consultation at Monocle West University
To get started, schedule a myopia control consultation at Monocle. We’ll talk through what’s best for your child’s eyes and support you through each step of the process.