Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most widespread vision conditions affecting people worldwide. In the U.S., nearly one-third of Americans live with some degree of myopia. At first glance, it may seem like a routine refractive error; just a simple need for glasses or contact lenses. But myopia is far more than an inconvenience; it’s a progressive condition that can lead to serious, long-term risks to your eye health.
People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but struggle to focus on things at a distance, like street signs, a whiteboard at school, or details on a TV screen. Squinting often becomes a habit as the eyes try to bring distant images into focus. While glasses and contact lenses can help correct the blur, they don't prevent the underlying issue from worsening.
Because myopia often begins in childhood and can rapidly progress during the growing years, it’s critical to recognize the condition early and understand the potential risks. Left unmanaged, advancing myopia is linked to an increased likelihood of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
TSO Briargrove optometrists offer comprehensive eye examinations to identify myopia and effective management solutions. Myopia can be detected during a routine eye examination. Once diagnosed, our tailored myopia management plans combine advanced testing, personalized treatments and proactive eye care, so you can see clearly today while safeguarding your vision for tomorrow.
The TSO Briargrove optometrists can prescribe proven myopia control treatments to prevent vision from worsening. Several clinically proven treatments can effectively slow myopia progression, but professional evaluation is essential to determine the best option for your needs and lifestyle. Myopia management options include:
Ortho-K: Sleep Your Way to Better Vision. Orthokeratology lenses, like Abiliti™ Overnight Lenses, use specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape your cornea while you sleep. Wake up with clear, natural vision without glasses or contacts all day—perfect for athletes and active individuals. Clinical studies show Ortho-K provides immediate vision correction and significantly slows myopia progression in children and adults.
Atropine Eye Drops: Pharmaceutical Myopia Control. Low-dose atropine drops relax eye muscles to prevent strain-induced eyeball elongation that worsens nearsightedness. Unlike exam dilating drops, therapeutic atropine provides all-day protection with minimal side effects. Research shows up to 60% reduction in myopia progression, especially effective for children.
Multifocal Lenses: Advanced Optical Design. Specialty multifocal glasses and contacts use innovative designs to reduce peripheral defocus—a key driver of myopia progression. Three-year studies demonstrate 30-50% slower progression with these progressive lenses compared to standard lenses, offering convenient treatment that fits your existing eyewear routine.
Treatment | Purpose | Age Suitability | Effectiveness at Slowing Myopia | Pros | Cons |
Eyeglasses | Vision correction only | All ages | ❌ No effect on progression | Easy, affordable, widely available | Doesn’t slow the worsening of myopia |
Soft Contact Lenses | Vision correction only | Teens to adults | ❌ No effect on progression | Good vision, cosmetic appeal | Hygiene required, no control benefit |
Orthokeratology (Ortho‑K) | Vision correction + myopia control | Ages 6–18 | ✅ Slows ~40–60% | No daytime glasses needed, FDA-cleared for kids | Nighttime lens wear, strict hygiene required, and some risk of infection |
MiSight Daily Contacts | Myopia control | Ages 8–12 (FDA approved) | ✅ Slows ~59% | Comfortable daily lenses, clinically proven | Must be worn daily; higher cost |
Multifocal Soft Contacts | Myopia control | Ages 7–16 | ✅ Slows ~30–50% | Dual-use: correction + control | Not FDA approved for myopia control in the U.S. |
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops | Myopia control only | Ages 5–18 | ✅ Slows ~50–60% | Easy nightly drops, no lens wear needed | May cause light sensitivity, doesn’t correct vision |
Myopia Control Glasses | Vision correction + myopia control | Ages 6–14 | ✅ Slows ~50–60% | Familiar format, no contact lens care | Limited availability in the U.S., higher cost than regular glasses |
Are you interested in Myopia management? Schedule your Eye Exam today!
Myopia (nearsightedness) and Hyperopia (farsightedness) are two of the most common types of refractive errors. Refractive errors are conditions where the eye struggles to focus light properly, resulting in blurred vision. The key difference lies in what distances are affected.
Myopia (nearsightedness) causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This happens when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. People with myopia often notice difficulty seeing road signs, classroom boards or watching movies from afar.
In contrast, hyperopia (farsightedness) makes it harder to see nearby objects clearly, while distance vision may remain relatively unaffected. This occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea lacks sufficient curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina. Farsighted individuals may experience eye strain, headaches, or difficulty with tasks like reading or using a smartphone.
We can easily diagnose both conditions during a comprehensive eye examination and managed each with glasses, contact lenses, or specialized treatments.
Call us at (713) 785-2022 if you’re experiencing blurry vision or concerned about your eye health.
"They had some of the best customer service skills and they made sure their customers have the best experience when walking in and when leaving out of that location on westheimer, I can give them a 10 star rating if I could!"
— Shayla Cox
"Great experience! The staff explained everything about my nearsightedness and astigmatism. I feel confident knowing my eye health is in good hands."
— Daniel R., Houston
We are committed to helping you and your family enjoy clear, healthy vision for years to come. Don’t let blurry distance vision or constant prescription changes disrupt your life.
Book your myopia management appointment today and take the first step toward better vision.