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Myopia Control (Nearsightedness)

Myopia Control→ 

Myopia Control (Nearsightedness) in Los Angeles / Santa Monica

Slow down your child’s nearsightedness with proven options: Ortho-K, atropine drops, and Essilor Stellest glasses lenses.

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What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness (also called myopia) means your child can see up close, but far-away things look blurry—like the whiteboard at school, street signs, or TV subtitles.

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Many kids start with a small prescription and then need stronger glasses each year. Myopia control AKA myopia management is a way to slow down how fast it gets worse.

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Why slowing it down matters

This isn’t about perfection or vanity—it’s about long-term eye health. The higher a child’s prescription becomes over time, the more it can increase certain eye risks later in life. That’s why we focus on slowing progression early, when it can make the biggest difference.

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Is myopia control right for my child?

Myopia control may be a good fit if your child:

  • Has needed stronger glasses more than once

  • Has one or both parents with nearsightedness

  • Became nearsighted at a young age

  • Does lots of reading/screen time and has limited outdoor time

  • Struggles with glasses for sports or activities

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If you have any questions about myopia, or symptoms your child may be having, call our office. We'll be happy to answer your questions.

Three Ways We Slow Down Nearsightedness​

 

1) Ortho-K (Overnight “vision-shaping” contacts)

 

What it is: Custom contact lenses worn only while sleeping. In the morning, your child takes them out and can see clearly during the day glasses free!

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Why parents like it:

  • No glasses during the day

  • Great for sports and active kids

  • Built-in structure: nighttime wear + scheduled checkups
     

Best for families who:

  • Want daytime freedom from glasses

  • Can follow a consistent nightly routine

  • Are comfortable with contact lens care and hygiene

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2) Low-Dose Atropine (Nightly prescription eye drops)

 

What it is: A gentle prescription drop used once nightly that can help slow the rate of nearsightedness progression in many children.

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Important to understand:
Atropine helps slow progression, but it does not “replace glasses.” Your child will still wear glasses or contacts to see clearly.

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Why families like it:

  • Simple nightly routine

  • Good for kids who aren’t ready for contacts

  • Can be used alone or paired with other options when appropriate

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3) Essilor Stellest Lenses (Myopia-control glasses lenses)

 

What it is: Special glasses lenses designed not only to correct blurry distance vision, but also to help slow the worsening of nearsightedness over time.

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Why families like it:

  • Glasses-based (no drops, no contacts)

  • Low maintenance—just wear them consistently
     

Great for kids who prefer glasses or can’t do contacts yet

How We Build a Plan

At your child’s myopia control visit, we:

  1. Confirm the prescription and check eye health

  2. Measure key eye details that help guide treatment choice

  3. Review lifestyle factors (near work, screens, outdoor time)

  4. Recommend the best option (Ortho-K, atropine, Stellest—or a combination)

  5. Set follow-ups to track that we are successfully slowing progression

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Quick FAQ 

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Will my child still need glasses?
Often yes—myopia control is about slowing worsening, not instantly removing the need for correction.

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What age should we start?
Generally, sooner is better once progression is happening—your exam helps us decide timing.

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Is it safe?
When properly prescribed and monitored, these options are widely used. We tailor recommendations and monitor closely.

Ready to slow down your child’s nearsightedness?


Schedule a myopia control consultation at Cohenmehr Optometry (Los Angeles / Santa Monica border). We’ll explain options clearly and build a plan that fits your child and your family routine.

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