Kailua Optometrist · Myopia Management
Myopia Management in Kailua, HI.
Myopia progresses every year as children grow, with each prescription change reflecting actual lengthening of the eye. Modern myopia control treatment can slow this progression significantly — protecting your child's vision for the long term.
1 in 4 children have myopia today
1 in 2 projected by 2050
Up to 59% slower progression with MiSight
Understanding Myopia
Nearsightedness Is More Than a Prescription Issue
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error where the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. The result: distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear.
In children, myopia typically begins between ages 6–12 and worsens each year as the eye continues to grow. Each annual prescription change isn't just an inconvenience — it's evidence that the eye is growing longer, and that growth carries long-term health consequences.
The goal of myopia control is not to eliminate myopia, but to slow how quickly it progresses — keeping the final prescription as low as possible and reducing the risk of serious eye disease in adulthood.
“Myopia is not just a glasses prescription. The higher it gets, the greater the risk of serious eye disease later in life.”
— Dr. Lauren Mordue, OD
Long-Term Risk
High Myopia Increases the Risk of Serious Eye Disease
Retinal Detachment
High myopia stretches the retina, making tears and detachments significantly more likely. Above –6.00D, the risk is 40x higher than average.
Glaucoma
Elevated eye pressure and structural changes from elongated eyes raise glaucoma risk. Early myopia intervention may reduce this risk over a lifetime.
Macular Degeneration
Myopic macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in adults with high myopia, particularly above –5.00D.
These aren't distant concerns. They develop silently over decades — which is exactly why early intervention matters.
Our Primary Treatment
MiSight 1 Day: The Only FDA-Approved Contact Lens for Myopia Control in Children
- MiSight 1 day by CooperVision is the first and only FDA-approved daily disposable soft contact lens clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children.
- Uses ActivControl Technology: a dual-focus optic design that simultaneously corrects vision and creates peripheral defocus to inhibit eye growth.
- In a 3-year clinical trial, children wearing MiSight had 59% less myopia progression and 52% less eye growth compared to standard contact lenses.
- Daily disposable format means no lens care solutions, no weekly cleaning — just a fresh, clean lens every day with very low infection risk.
- Ideal to start between ages 8–12, when myopia typically begins and is most responsive to treatment.
- Dr. Mordue personally wishes this had been available when she was a child.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should myopia treatment start?
The ideal window is ages 8–12, when myopia typically develops and the eye is still growing rapidly. The earlier treatment begins, the more progression can be slowed over the child's development. That said, treatment can start at any age if myopia is progressing.
How effective is MiSight at slowing myopia progression?
In a 3-year FDA clinical trial, children wearing MiSight showed 59% less myopia progression and 52% less axial eye elongation compared to children wearing standard single-vision contact lenses.
Are contact lenses safe for children?
Yes. Research shows that children as young as 8–10 are generally responsible contact lens wearers. Daily disposables like MiSight are particularly safe because there is no lens storage or cleaning — a fresh lens is used each day.
Does insurance cover myopia control treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Many vision plans cover a portion of the eye exam. Contact lens coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend calling your insurance provider prior to your appointment — we're happy to help you understand your options.
What happens if myopia isn't treated?
Without intervention, myopia typically worsens each year through adolescence. Higher prescriptions (above –5.00D or –6.00D) dramatically increase the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. The goal of myopia control is to keep the final prescription as low as possible.
Ready to Protect Your Child's Vision?
Dr. Mordue will review your child's prescription history, explain all treatment options, and help you build a myopia management plan that fits your family.