When one Laguna Beach parent saw her 8-year-old’s prescription jump nearly two diopters in six months, she knew it wasn’t just “growing pains.” If your child’s vision keeps getting worse year after year, myopia control could be the answer. At Laguna Eyes Optometry, our eye doctor, Dr. Alicia Harrison, O.D., leads a personalized program backed by research, real results, and cutting-edge diagnostics.
What Causes Myopia — and Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think
Myopia happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision. Most children diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 7 will experience steady worsening until at least age 12, unless they receive early treatment.
But myopia is more than a minor inconvenience. Without intervention, it significantly increases the risk of severe eye diseases later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Early cataracts
In beach communities like Laguna Beach, it's easy to assume kids get plenty of outdoor time. But with increasing screen use and intensive academics, more children are falling into the high-risk category for progressive myopia.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to a range of treatments designed to slow or stop the progression of nearsightedness — rather than just correcting it with stronger lenses.
At Laguna Eyes Optometry, Dr. Alicia Harrison offers several evidence-backed solutions:
- Abiliti™ Orthokeratology Lenses: Worn overnight, these custom lenses reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. By morning, they wake up to clear vision — no glasses needed.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose drops that help slow the eye’s elongation, ideal for younger patients or those not ready for contact lenses.
- Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Designed with zones that reduce strain and help control how the eye focuses — proven to slow myopia’s progression.
To explore more about these options, visit our Myopia Control page.
How Our Myopia Eye Doctor Tracks Success with Myopia Master®
Our clinic is proud to be the only provider in Laguna Beach using the OCULUS Myopia Master® — a powerful diagnostic tool that combines axial length measurement, corneal topography, and refraction into one streamlined, contactless test.
This tech allows Dr. Harrison to:
- Precisely measure eye growth
- Compare baseline and progress data over time
- Personalize treatment strategies with unmatched accuracy
This level of monitoring ensures that each child’s treatment plan adapts as their eyes develop — a major reason why more families in Laguna Beach are choosing Laguna Eyes Optometry for pediatric vision care.
Which Myopia Control Treatment Is Best for Your Child?
There’s no universal solution — and that’s what sets our program apart. Dr. Alicia Harrison, O.D., meets with every family to understand not just the prescription, but the child’s lifestyle and habits. Whether your child is a swimmer, a bookworm, or a screen-loving gamer, we find a solution that works with their daily routine.
Each evaluation includes:
- Axial length and eye shape measurements
- Peripheral and cycloplegic refraction
- Lifestyle questionnaire and near-work assessment
- Personalized treatment planning
What Parents Should Know About Starting Treatment
All of our myopia control options are safe, comfortable, and clinically proven — but starting early makes the biggest difference.
Parents often ask:
- How often will we need to come in? Most children are monitored every 6–12 months.
- Is treatment permanent? No, but it can dramatically slow progression during critical growth years.
- Will insurance cover it? It depends, but our staff helps guide every family through financial options.
Our goal is simple: prevent long-term vision complications and help your child enjoy the sharpest, healthiest vision possible.
Myopia Control in Laguna Beach: The Smart Way to Protect Your Child’s Vision
Your child’s eyes are still growing — which means now is the time to act. With leading-edge diagnostics, proven treatments, and the trusted guidance of Dr. Alicia Harrison, Laguna Eyes Optometry is the local leader in pediatric myopia control.
Book an eye care appointment and take control of your child’s eye future today.
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