MYOPIA MANAGEMENT · CHESAPEAKE, VA · MISIGHT® · STELLEST® · ATROPINE
Your Child’s Prescription Gets Stronger Every Year. We Can Help Slow That Down.
Myopia management uses evidence-based treatments — MiSight® daily contact lenses, Essilor Stellest® spectacle lenses, and atropine eye drops — to slow how fast your child’s nearsightedness worsens. Without intervention, progressive myopia raises the lifetime risk of serious eye disease. Dr. Teten will find the right option for your child.
Every Year Without Treatment Means a Stronger Prescription
Watching your child’s prescription jump at every annual exam is frightening. You worry about what a high prescription means for their future vision health — and whether anything can even be done about it. Your concern is valid. And you’re not powerless.
Prescription getting stronger every single year
Worry about long-term retinal and glaucoma risk
Thick lenses your child feels self-conscious about
Squinting at the board or struggling in sports
Not knowing if any treatment actually works
Fear of expensive laser surgery complications later
Dr. Teten Is Chesapeake’s Specialist in Pediatric Myopia Control
As one of the few providers in the Chesapeake area offering all three evidence-based myopia management treatments, MiSight® daily contact lenses, Essilor Stellest® spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine therapy, Dr. Amber Teten, OD tailors treatment to each child’s prescription, lifestyle, and rate of progression.
She doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your child prefers glasses or contacts, whether their progression is mild or rapid, Dr. Teten will build a plan designed around their specific eyes, and monitor it closely over time.
Myopia management is part of Dr. Teten’s broader approach to pediatric eye care, ensuring children’s eyes are healthy at every stage of development, not just corrected.
FDA
Approved MiSight® Lenses
59%
Avg progression reduction*
Ages 8+
Ideal starting age
Three Proven Ways to Slow Your Child’s Myopia Progression
The higher the prescription, the greater the risk of serious eye disease in
adulthood. Early myopia management isn’t just about comfort, it’s
about protecting your child’s vision for life.
OPTION 1 — CONTACT LENS
✓ FDA Approved
MiSight® 1 Day
by CooperVision
MiSight® are FDA-approved soft daily disposable contact lenses designed specifically for children with myopia. Their unique ActivControl® dual-focus technology slows how quickly the eye grows in length, the root cause of worsening myopia.
- FDA-approved for ages 8–12
- Worn during the day, discarded nightly
- 59% average reduction in myopia progression*
- No maintenance — fresh lens every day
- Great for active kids & sports
*CooperVision 3-year clinical study
OPTION 2 — SPECTACLE LENSES ★ GREAT FOR GLASSES-WEARERS
✓ CE Marked · Clinically Proven
Essilor Stellest®
by EssilorLuxottica
Essilor Stellest® are spectacle lenses featuring H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology, 1,021 aspherical lenslets that create a volume of signal in front of the retina to slow eye elongation. They look and feel like regular glasses, making them ideal for children who prefer not to wear contact lenses.
- No contact lens handling, wear like regular glasses
- Suitable from age 6 and up
- 67% slowing of myopia progression vs. single vision*
- Full-day wear with no special routine
- Excellent option for younger children or contact-averse kids
*Essilor Stellest® clinical data, 2021
OPTION 3 — EYE DROPS
✓ Prescription Therapy
Low-Dose Atropine
Nightly Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine (0.01%–0.05%) is a prescription eye drop applied once each night at bedtime. It works by reducing the biochemical signals that cause the eye to elongate, slowing the progression of myopia. It is often used alone or combined with MiSight or Stellest for enhanced effect.
- One drop per eye, applied at bedtime
- Can be used in children as young as 5–6
- Effective as standalone or combination therapy
- Minimal side effects at low doses (0.01%)
- Monitored closely by Dr. Teten every 6 months
Start Protecting Your Child’s Vision in 3 Steps
Progress monitoring happens at regular check-ins, typically every 6 months, alongside your child’s annual eye exam to track prescription changes and treatment effectiveness.
WHY THIS MATTERS
High Myopia Significantly Increases Risk of Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma & Macular Disease
Myopia isn’t just about needing strong glasses. The higher a child’s prescription grows, the greater their lifetime risk of conditions that can cause permanent vision loss. Early myopia management isn’t just about comfort today, it’s about protecting your child’s eyes for decades to come.
Retinal Detachment
Highly myopic eyes are more likely to experience retinal tears and detachments, a vision-threatening emergency.
Glaucoma
High myopia significantly raises the risk of developing glaucoma, which can cause irreversible optic nerve damage.
Myopic Maculopathy
Progressive thinning of the macula in highly myopic eyes, a leading cause of vision impairment in adults.
SUCCESS STORIES
Parents Are Seeing Real Results
Imagine your child’s prescription staying stable year after year. No thicker lenses, no growing risk. That’s the goal of myopia management, and it’s what Dr. Teten’s patients experience.
“The office was very inviting, accommodating, and helpful throughout the process of ordering my contacts. Amanda even helped with the process of having them shipped to me out of state. Overall, it was an easy and painless five-star experience.”
— Liz P.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Exams
What is myopia management and does it actually work?
Myopia management is a set of evidence-based treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Options include MiSight® daily contact lenses, Essilor Stellest® spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine eye drops. Clinical trials show these treatments can reduce myopia progression by 50–67% compared to no treatment at all.
What age should myopia management start?
MiSight® (by CooperVision) are FDA-approved soft daily contact lenses that use dual-focus technology to slow eye elongation. Essilor Stellest® are spectacle lenses featuring H.A.L.T. technology, an excellent choice for children who prefer glasses over contacts, suitable from age 6. Atropine uses low-dose prescription eye drops applied nightly and can be used alone or combined with either lens option for enhanced effect. Dr. Teten recommends the best fit based on your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, and rate of progression.
Can my child use Stellest lenses if they don’t want to wear contacts?
Yes. Essilor Stellest® are spectacle (glasses) lenses, making them a great myopia management option for children who prefer not to wear contacts or are not yet ready for them. They look and feel like regular glasses and provide myopia control through their H.A.L.T. lens technology, no special handling or maintenance required.
What age should myopia management start?
Myopia management is most effective when started early, ideally between ages 6 and 12, when eyes are still developing rapidly. MiSight is FDA-approved for ages 8–12. Stellest lenses can be prescribed for children as young as 6. Atropine can also be used in younger children. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the cumulative benefit over time.
Can an optometrist treat and manage myopia progression — or do I need an ophthalmologist?
Yes, an optometrist like Dr. Teten can fully diagnose and manage myopia progression using evidence-based treatments including MiSight lenses, Stellest glasses, and atropine eye drops. You do not need an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) for myopia management. Referral to an ophthalmologist is only necessary if surgical intervention is being considered, such as LASIK or PRK in adulthood.
Does insurance cover myopia management in Virginia?
Most standard vision insurance plans do not cover myopia management as a specialty treatment. However, Navigation Eye Care offers flexible payment options, and HSA/FSA funds are typically eligible. Contact us at (757) 529-6889 for current pricing and payment plan details.
How much does myopia management cost at Navigation Eye Care in Chesapeake VA?
Costs vary depending on the treatment chosen (MiSight, Stellest, or atropine). Please call or text (757) 529-6889 or visit us at 614 Battlefield Blvd S, Suite 104, Chesapeake, VA 23322 for a personalized quote. Most families find the long-term investment worthwhile given the potential reduction in high-prescription health risks.
Some children with myopia also have underlying binocular vision issues — in those cases, Dr. Teten may recommend vision therapy alongside myopia management for comprehensive care.