The Basics
What Is Myopia?
Myopia — better known as nearsightedness — means your child sees clearly up close but blurry far away: the whiteboard at school, the ball across the field, the TV across the room. It usually shows up in childhood and, in most kids, it doesn't stay put. As a child grows, the eye itself can keep growing slightly too long, and every bit of extra growth means a stronger prescription at the next visit.
Why does that matter beyond thicker glasses? Higher levels of myopia are associated with a greater lifetime risk of eye problems like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Slowing down how fast the prescription climbs during childhood — even if it can't be stopped entirely — can make a meaningful difference for your child's eyes as an adult.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management (sometimes called myopia control) is a set of treatments designed to help keep your child's prescription lower by slowing the eye's excessive growth. Regular glasses and contacts correct blurry vision, but they don't do anything to slow it from getting worse. Myopia management lenses do both: your child sees clearly today, and the lens design works in the background to slow tomorrow's progression.
We offer the two leading FDA-recognized options — one in eyeglasses, one in contact lenses — so there's a comfortable fit for nearly every child.
Two Proven Options
Stellest® & MiSight®
Stellest® Lenses
FDA-authorized · ages 6–12Stellest lenses look and feel like ordinary eyeglass lenses — your child picks any frame they love. The difference is invisible: a constellation of tiny lenslets built into the lens that focuses light in a way designed to slow the eye's elongation while fully correcting your child's vision.
- The first eyeglass lens authorized by the FDA (2025) to slow the progression of myopia in children
- In its 2-year clinical trial, slowed myopia progression by 71% on average versus standard single-vision lenses*
- No new habits to learn — just wear the glasses all day, every day
- A great fit for younger kids or any child not ready for contacts
MiSight® 1 day
FDA-approved · ages 8–12 at start of treatmentMiSight 1 day lenses are soft daily contacts made for kids: a fresh, sterile pair every morning, thrown away every night. No cleaning, no cases, no glasses at soccer practice. Special treatment zones in the lens correct vision while signaling the eye to slow its growth.
- The first soft contact lens approved by the FDA to slow the progression of myopia in children
- In clinical studies, slowed myopia progression by 59% on average*
- Daily disposables — the simplest, most hygienic way to wear contacts
- Popular with active kids, athletes, and self-conscious tweens and teens
* Results from manufacturer clinical trials versus single-vision lenses; individual results vary. Stellest® is a trademark of Essilor. MiSight® is a trademark of CooperVision. Candidacy is determined by an eye examination.
Personalized Care
Which One Is Right for Your Child?
There's no single right answer — it depends on your child's age, prescription, personality, and activities. Glasses-loving kids do beautifully in Stellest; sporty or contact-curious kids often prefer MiSight. Both are worn during the day and simply replace the regular glasses or contacts your child would wear anyway.
Our optometrist, Dr. Jolie Turkmen, has over 20 years of experience and specializes in pediatric and adolescent eye care. She'll examine your child's eyes, track how the prescription has been changing, and recommend the option that fits your child's eyes and your family's routine — then monitor progress at regular follow-up visits.
Our licensed opticians will help your child find frames they'll actually want to wear, and for contact lens wearers we provide hands-on training so kids are confident and safe from day one.
Common Questions
Myopia Management FAQ
What age should my child start myopia management?
The earlier, the better — younger eyes tend to progress faster, so there's more benefit in slowing things down early. Stellest eyeglass lenses are FDA-authorized for children ages 6–12, and MiSight contact lenses are FDA-approved for children who are 8–12 when they begin treatment. Our optometrist can evaluate whether your child is a good candidate at any age.
Will myopia management stop my child's prescription from getting worse?
It slows the worsening rather than stopping it completely. In clinical studies, Stellest lenses slowed myopia progression by 71% on average versus standard single-vision lenses, and MiSight contact lenses slowed progression by 59% on average. Individual results vary, which is why regular follow-up visits are part of the program.
Are contact lenses safe for kids?
Yes — with proper fitting and habits. MiSight lenses are daily disposables: a fresh, sterile pair goes in each morning and is thrown away at night, so there's no cleaning or storage involved. Our optometrist specializes in pediatric and adolescent contact lens fittings and teaches every child how to handle lenses safely before they take a pair home.
My child already wears glasses. Can they switch to myopia management lenses?
In most cases, yes. Stellest lenses look like regular eyeglass lenses and fit into the frames kids love, so switching is usually seamless. If your child is interested in contacts instead, we can evaluate them for MiSight during a contact lens examination.
Does insurance cover myopia management?
Coverage varies by plan. Some vision plans contribute toward the lenses or the contact lens fitting. Give us a call at (516) 741-3706 and we'll help you figure out what your plan covers.
Take the First Step
Give Your Child a Head Start
A children's eye exam is all it takes to find out if your child is a candidate for myopia management. Serving Garden City and neighboring Nassau County communities for more than 50 years.