Common Questions About Nearsightedness
Myopia FAQs
1. What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Myopia tends to progress until around the age of 21, and during this time, a child's vision deteriorates, often requiring more frequent updates of their corrective lenses.
2. What Causes Myopia Progression?
The exact causes of myopia progression are not fully understood, but several factors have been associated with it:
- Myopia tends to run in families, so if parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia.
- Extensive studying, reading, and activities that involve focusing on nearby objects can contribute to myopia progression.
- The increasing use of electronic devices, especially when held close to the eyes, is thought to play a role in myopia development.
- Spending less time outdoors may increase the risk of myopia progression.
3. Why is Myopia Progression a Concern?
The progression of myopia is concerning as it's strongly associated with an increased risk of ocular diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment later in life.
4. What If My Child Wears Glasses or Soft Contact Lenses?
Even if your child regularly wears glasses or soft contact lenses to correct their myopia, the condition may continue to progress. Conventional corrective methods often address symptoms but don't tackle the root cause, which involves the elongation of the eyeball.
5. How Can I Prevent My Child's Vision from Getting Worse?
To help prevent myopia progression, consider making lifestyle changes, including:
Reducing Screen Time: Limit screen time, and encourage breaks during prolonged use of digital devices.
Encouraging Frequent Breaks While Studying: Ensure your child takes regular breaks when studying or reading.
Increasing Outdoor Play: Encourage outdoor activities and playtime.
Adjusting Their Study Posture: Ensure proper posture during near work, avoiding sitting too close to screens or materials.
Additional treatment may be necessary, depending on the level of your child's myopia. Some of these options may include:
- Atropine Drops
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
- Dual Focus Contact Lenses
6. What Is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is a non-surgical procedure designed to reduce nearsightedness. It involves the therapeutic application of specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea, the front part of the eye, overnight. This can effectively correct nearsightedness and certain types of astigmatism.
Ortho-k offers a promising solution for managing progressive myopia while providing the freedom of being glasses or contact lens-free during the day. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing myopia progression, thus reducing the risk of ocular diseases.
7. Is Myopia Management Suitable for Adults or Only for Children?
Myopia management strategies are often most effective when initiated during childhood, as this is when myopia tends to progress most rapidly. However, certain approaches, such as orthokeratology (ortho-k), may also benefit adults. It's crucial to consult your Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville eye doctor to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
8. How Often Should My Child's Eyes Be Examined for Myopia Progression?
Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor myopia progression. The frequency of these exams will depend on your child's age, myopia severity, and risk factors. Annual eye check-ups are generally recommended, but some cases may require more frequent visits.
9. Are There Any Side Effects or Risks Associated with Myopia Management Treatments?
Most myopia management treatments are safe and non-invasive, but awareness of potential side effects is essential. For instance, ortho-k lenses may cause temporary discomfort or dryness. Atropine eye drops may lead to increased sensitivity to light. Your Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville eye doctor will discuss these potential side effects and help you decide on the right approach for your child.
Patient Reviews
4.5
190 Reviews
Joe P. - May 8, 2026
I have been a patient of this office for a few years now. I wear both glasses and contacts. I feel c... Show Moreonflicted however because I like smaller/more private eye clinics like this vs. major retailers. That being said, I struggle with the pricing.
First, let me say that everyone at the office is extremely nice and friendly. The doctor(s) are extremely nice, helpful, and explain things well.
Yesterday I went with the intention of altering the type of contacts I wear as I had been wearing Precision 1 (Dailies) for astigmatism,but they simply cost too much. So I wanted to go back to either 2 week disposable or (preferably) monthly disposable.
I brought my 3 pairs of Oakley eyeglasses which are all in good shape,
I asked to be fitted for monthly contacts as they are one of the cheapest and was told that 2 week disposables would be the best for my situation.
I had no problem with the suggestion and we went with Acuvue Oasysis w/hydroglyde. The Dr. also checked my most current pair of Oakley glasses and made an adjustment to the lenses, which, while in the chair, definitely seemed to make a difference.
Now comes the confusing part. I hate vision benefits as they don't seem to cover enough for what the price of quality eye products cost---but that certainly isn't the office'e fault.
My benefits allow EITHER frames and contacts or lenses and frames per year. But, I wanted to see how much it would be to put the updated prescription of lenses into my most current Oakley frames and use my benefits towards the disposable contacts. My allowance is $130 for disposable contacts. Single vision lenses are paid in full and based on the additives selected (scratch-resistance, polycarbonate, etc, have copays).
I was told I would get the best use of my insurance on the lenses and pay out of pocket for my contacts. I was prepared to hear a total between $400-$500 for everything since I was buying 6 months of contacts and was told my Oakleys needed a "thinner" type of lense.
The contacts, and whatever I had to pay for the contact lense fitting and evaluation, plus that eye-scanning test that's around $44, was $383.47.
Then I heard the total to put the new lenses in my glasses and it would have been somewhere around $240!!
I was not prepared to pay roughly $624 so I asked that we simply hold off on the lenses, and use the benefits for my contacts.
So I paid $383.47 for contacts with plans to come back in a few weeks to have my lenses put into my glasses.
My girlfriend was with me and we were talking and the amount I paid just seemed high. Plus, I didn't receive any type of itemized statement for the services provided, their cost, and what the insurance was to pay.
I decided to go to Visionworks in South Hills Village Mall on the way home. I walked into Visionworks, pulled up my current prescription, and told them I simply wanted to see what the cost would be to have the lenses put into the frames.
The lady called EyeMed and was told I would be responsible for a $40 copay for polycarbonate, that's it!!! (I didn't think I could get lenses since I just got contacts) but I wasn't going to argue.
So, rather than $240 (roughly) for 1 pair of lenses that I was quoted, Visionworks charged me $40 for new lenses put into the same frames. AND, since they were having a buy 1, get 1 50% off, she took my back-up Oakley glasses and I'm getting the new prescription lenses put into THOSE frames also.
I walked out of VisionWorks paying $155 for 2 sets of new lenses with polycarbonate and scratch coating rather than paying $240 for 1 set of lenses!!!
This makes me wonder if I was way overcharged for my contacts? Today, I asked to have an itemized statement sent to me from Your family Eye Doctors to see the cost per box and with the insurance paying for $130 worth.
Again, I have no problem with Your Family Eye Doctors. They are professional, clean, thorough, and have a large selection. My only feeling is that it's a bit pricey as I would have paid about $624 and paid $538 between the two providers (and I'm receiving an extra pair of lenses).
Nonno 3. - Mar 28, 2026
I went to Family Eye Doctors to see if they could repair my badly mangled glasses. I was very pessi... Show Moremistic. Showed up without an appointment, but they fixed the glasses in minutes, even though I was never a patient at this practice before. No charge! And the staff is so friendly. I will be using Family Eye Doctors for all my vision needs from now on.
Myopia Management in Murrysville
Hours Show More
- Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans Show More
- Medicare
- United Healthcare
- Spectera
- Medicaid
- Anthem
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross
- MetLife
- Aetna
10. Is Myopia Management Expensive, and Does Insurance Cover It?
The cost of myopia management can vary based on the chosen treatment method and location. Some treatments, like ortho-k, may involve initial higher costs but could reduce long-term expenses related to prescription updates and potential eye health issues. Schedule an appointment with Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville today to understand the specific costs and coverage options.
