Pediatric Myopia Management in Marietta & Metro Atlanta

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The Myopia Epidemic: Why Families in Marietta and Metro Atlanta Should Pay Attention

Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing at an unprecedented rate.

  • In the early 1970s, approximately 24% of Americans were myopic.
  • By the early 2000s, that number increased to 44%.
  • Nearly 50% of the global population is projected to be myopic by 2050.

For families in Marietta, Cobb County, and across Metro Atlanta, this trend matters. High myopia increases the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, and earlier cataracts.

At Marietta Eye Clinic, we provide myopia management for children throughout Marietta, Roswell, Woodstock, Cumming, Johns Creek, and the greater Metro Atlanta area. Our goal is to slow eye growth during childhood and help protect long-term eye health.

Marietta Eye Clinic has also conducted clinical research studies in myopia management. This allows us to stay aligned with the latest evidence and provide care based on current research.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. Light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing blurry distance vision.

Myopia most commonly develops between ages 3 and 16, when the eyes are still growing.

Glasses and contact lenses improve vision, but they do not slow the underlying eye growth.

Why Does Myopia Progress?

Research suggests that peripheral blur may signal the eye to continue growing. Standard glasses correct central vision but may not address this peripheral effect.

Myopia management treatments are designed to both correct vision and help slow eye growth.

Because of our clinical research experience, we monitor progression carefully using evidence-based approaches.

Risk Factors for Myopia

Non-Modifiable Factors

  • Family history of myopia
  • Younger age at onset

Modifiable Factors

  • Limited time outdoors
  • Increased near work (reading, homework, screens)
  • Higher daily screen time at near (i.e. phones and tablets)

Encouraging outdoor activity and balanced screen use is an important part of managing myopia.

Why Slowing Myopia Matters

Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Myopic macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Earlier cataracts

Slowing myopia during childhood may reduce the risk of these conditions later in life.

Myopia Treatment Options in Marietta & Metro Atlanta

  • Nightly eye drops
  • Shown to slow progression in clinical studies
  • Generally mild side effects

  • Designed for myopia control in children
  • Shown to reduce progression in clinical trials

  • Daily disposable lenses
  • Used for myopia control in a wider range of prescriptions

  • Overnight lenses worn during sleep
  • Clear vision during the day without glasses
  • Helps slow progression

Follow-up: Structured schedule

  • Specially designed lenses to slow myopia
  • Available through MEC Optical in Marietta

When Should My Child Be Evaluated?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child:

  • Is between ages 3–16
  • Has increasing prescriptions each year
  • Has one or two myopic parents
  • Spends significant time on screens or near work

Early evaluation allows for earlier intervention.

Schedule a Myopia Consultation at Marietta Eye Clinic

Marietta Eye Clinic provides pediatric eye care and myopia management for families throughout Marietta and Metro Atlanta.

Call 770-427-8111 to schedule today!