Myopia Treatment Options at Focus Optical, Texas

Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects blurry while close objects stay clear. It's common in children and teenagers. Traditional glasses and contacts correct vision but don't halt the eye's growth.

At Focus Optical in The Woodlands and Spring, Texas, we offer myopia management programs that not only correct vision but also help slow progression, ensuring better eye health for your child.

Understanding How Myopia Develops

Myopia occurs when the eye's shape causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, instead of directly on its surface. This misalignment is typically due to one of two reasons: the eyeball has grown too long from front to back (a condition known as axial elongation), or the cornea is too curved.

For most children, myopia begins to develop during their elementary or middle school years. It tends to worsen, or progress, throughout their teenage years as their bodies grow. This progression means that their prescription for glasses or contact lenses becomes stronger over time.

While genetics plays a significant role—a child with one or two myopic parents is more likely to develop the condition—modern lifestyle factors are also major contributors. Increased time spent on near-work activities like reading and using digital devices, combined with less time spent outdoors, has been linked to the rising rates of myopia in children.

It is crucial to understand that progressing myopia is more than an inconvenience. High levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of developing serious, sight-threatening eye diseases later in life, including glaucoma, cataracts, myopic maculopathy, and retinal detachment.

The Importance of Early Myopia Control in Children

Myopia often worsens during childhood and adolescence, so early intervention is essential. Starting treatment as soon as myopia is detected can significantly affect a child's final prescription and eye health.

Key benefits of early myopia control include:

Lower Final Prescription: Preventing severe myopia reduces the risk of eye diseases later in life. A child with a -3.00 prescription has a much lower risk than one with a -6.00 prescription.
Improved Quality of Life: Children with lower prescriptions wear thinner, lighter, and more comfortable glasses and have better options for future treatments, including LASIK.
Academic and Social Success: A clear vision enables better performance in school and social activities, boosting confidence and participation.

Parents should watch for signs of myopia, such as frequent squinting, sitting close to screens, holding reading materials too close, or complaining of headaches or eye strain. If you notice these signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Advanced Technologies for Myopia Management

Correcting blurry vision is simple, but slowing myopia progression requires specialized tools. At Focus Optical, we utilize the most advanced, FDA-approved technologies to create effective management plans for our young patients.

MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses:
These are the first and only soft contact lenses approved explicitly by the FDA to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. MiSight® lenses have a unique optical design with two zones: one that corrects the blurry distance vision (like a standard contact lens) and another that creates peripheral defocus. This peripheral defocus signals the eye to slow down its growth, effectively reducing myopia progression by an average of 59% compared to standard single-vision lenses. They are worn just like regular daily disposable lenses, making them a convenient and safe option.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
This innovative, non-surgical treatment involves wearing custom-designed, rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. While the child sleeps, the Ortho-K lenses gently and safely reshape the cornea. The child removes the lenses upon waking and can enjoy clear, sharp vision all day long without needing glasses or contact lenses. This corneal reshaping also creates the necessary peripheral defocus to slow down eye elongation, making Ortho-K a powerful and popular myopia management tool, especially for active children involved in sports.

Customized Myopia Management Options at Focus Optical

At Focus Optical, we offer personalized myopia management plans starting with a comprehensive consultation. Our doctors evaluate your child’s prescription, eye measurements, and health, while considering their lifestyle and hobbies. Based on this assessment, we recommend a tailored treatment plan that may include advanced options and lifestyle guidance.

We recommend outdoor time (at least 90 minutes daily) and good visual habits, like taking breaks during near-work. Our team closely monitors your child’s vision and treatment effectiveness through regular follow-ups. Our goal is to partner with you to protect your child's vision for a lifetime.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Thy Pham Nguyen, OD
A graduate of The New England College of Optometry, Dr. Nguyen specializes in contact lenses, dry eye treatment, and co-management of LASIK and cataract surgery. She has a passion for helping patients with hard-to-fit cases, including keratoconus.

Dr. Hanh Dinh, OD
Dr. Dinh graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University and completed a residency in pediatrics and binocular vision. Her background as an ophthalmic technician gives her a comprehensive understanding of eye care.

Dr. Ashley Nguyen, OD, MS
With a Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science from the University of Houston, Dr. Ashley Nguyen manages a wide range of eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, and myopia. She is highly skilled in fitting specialty contact lenses.

Dr. Jacquelin Escoto, OD
Dr. Escoto also earned her optometry degree from the University of Houston. She provides comprehensive eye care, manages ocular diseases, and is an active community volunteer, serving patients in The Woodlands and Spring areas.

Payment and Insurance

To make your visit as smooth as possible, we accept several forms of payment, including cash, major credit cards, and CareCredit.

Focus Optical is in-network with a wide variety of insurance providers:

Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
EyeMed
VSP
UnitedHealthcare

If your insurance provider is not on this list, or if you have any questions about your specific coverage and benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you navigate your plan and maximize your benefits.