Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming more common in children. In fact, it's estimated that by 2050, nearly 50% of the global population will have myopia, with many cases starting in childhood. While traditional glasses or contact lenses can correct blurry distance vision, they don’t address the root issue: myopia tends to worsen over time, increasing the risk of severe eye conditions in adulthood. That’s where myopia management comes in.
protect growing eyes
Myopia Management in Manhattan & Peotone, IL
Understanding Myopia
Support for Nearsighted Children
Manhattan
Illinois Eye Associates
(815) 478-9100
- monday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- tuesday:
- 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- wednesday:
- 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- thursday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- friday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- saturday:
- Closed
- sunday:
- Closed
Peotone
- monday:
- Closed
- tuesday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- wednesday:
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- thursday:
- 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- friday:
- 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- saturday:
- Closed
- sunday:
- Closed
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up vision stays clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Many children diagnosed with myopia simply wear glasses or contact lenses to see better, but those solutions don’t stop the eyes from continuing to grow. As a child’s prescription increases, so does their risk for eye diseases, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
Managing Myopia at Illinois Eye Associates
Our myopia management services are currently offered by select optometrists within Illinois Eye Associates. Your child’s care plan will begin with a comprehensive eye exam and consultation to determine whether they’re a good fit for treatment.
MiSight® lenses
Daily soft contact lenses FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8–12.
Lifestyle tips
Guidance on outdoor activity, screen habits, and reading posture that can help support healthy visual development.
Why Early Management Matters
Slowing the progression of myopia early can reduce your child’s lifetime prescription, and with it, the risk of severe eye complications later in life. Treatments like MiSight® contact lenses have been shown to reduce the rate of progression in children aged 8 to 12.
Even if your child still sees well with glasses, myopia control is about prevention, not just correction.
How is myopia different from blurry vision?
Myopia causes blurry distance vision and also changes the shape of the eye. Myopia management focuses on slowing that progression to reduce future risk, not just improving clarity with glasses.
Will my child still need glasses if they do myopia treatment?
In most cases, yes. Myopia management doesn’t eliminate the need for vision correction. The goal is to slow the rate of worsening.
Are MiSight® lenses safe for kids?
Yes. MiSight® 1-day lenses are FDA-approved, soft, single-use contacts designed specifically for children.
Is myopia management covered by insurance?
Some vision plans may cover parts of the exam or lenses, but myopia control is often considered a specialty service. Our team will review your benefits and discuss the costs before moving forward.
Book an Appointment
Get Started with an Eye Exam
If your child is becoming more nearsighted each year, now is the time to ask about myopia management. Appointments are available at our locations in Manhattan and Peotone, IL.