WesternU Health Eye Care Institute to offer lenses designed to slow childhood myopia
The WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, a leader in eye health education and patient care, will soon offer new FDA-approved spectacle lenses to help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. This advancement marks a significant step in addressing the growing prevalence of childhood myopia while offering families a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option.
Childhood myopia has become a global health concern, with more children developing the condition at younger ages. Early onset often progresses rapidly, raising the risk of high myopia in adolescence or adulthood. High myopia significantly increases the likelihood of developing serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy—all of which can cause permanent vision loss.
“We are seeing more children develop myopia at younger ages, and that puts them at greater risk for serious eye conditions later in life,” said Dr. John Tassinari, Chief of Pediatrics at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute. “At WesternU Health, we are committed to providing treatments that not only correct vision but also help slow the progression of myopia to protect long-term eye health.”
In addition to reducing long-term risks, myopia management provides immediate benefits for children’s vision and quality of life. Children with lower levels of myopia enjoy clearer vision without needing strong corrective lenses, making it easier to succeed in school, participate in sports, and engage in daily activities. Managing myopia early also reduces reliance on thick glasses or high-powered contact lenses, which can affect confidence and social development.
FDA-approved spectacle lenses offer families a treatment that is both child-friendly and easy to adopt. Unlike contact lenses, which require strict hygiene and maturity, or atropine eye drops, which must be administered daily and may cause side effects, spectacles are familiar, comfortable, and widely accepted by children of all ages. The FDA approval ensures that the lenses have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, giving families and providers confidence in their effectiveness.
“Having access to FDA-approved spectacle lenses designed to control myopia is a game-changer,” Dr. Tassinari said. “They give families an option that is safe, effective, and easy for children to use, which makes a tremendous difference in everyday life and long-term outcomes.”
The new lenses will be available by the end of 2025 at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, where pediatric specialists provide individualized care plans tailored to each child’s specific needs.
“Our mission is to ensure that every child has the best possible start with their vision,” Dr. Tassinari said. “By combining advanced myopia management strategies with compassionate care, we are helping children see clearly today while safeguarding their eye health for tomorrow.”
For more information about the new lenses or to schedule an appointment, visit the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute website or call (909) 706-3900.
