Myopia Management Queens & Nassau County

Name: Myopia Management
Brand: The Pediatric Eye Center
Rating: 4.8 (470 reviews)

Nearsightedness isn’t just about blurry vision or a stronger prescription. Myopia is a condition in which a child’s eye grows too long, and that growth increases the lifetime risk of eye disease later on.

Our approach focuses on slowing abnormal eye growth rather than just correcting vision. We focus on slowing abnormal eye growth and track progress using axial length measurement, the gold standard for monitoring how the eye grows, guided by decades of pediatric ophthalmology experience.

Physician‑Led Myopia Management

Managing myopia requires more than selecting a treatment. It requires medical judgment over time.

As a child’s eyes grow, decisions must be revisited, measurements re‑evaluated, and therapy adjusted thoughtfully. This is especially important given the long‑term risks associated with excessive eye elongation.

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein's myopia care emphasizes careful assessment, axial length‑based monitoring, and long‑term responsibility as a child grows from early childhood through adolescence.

We Lead With Medical Expertise

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein is one of the most experienced pediatric eye surgeons in New York, with over 25 years of experience caring for children with complex eye conditions.

We Treat Your Child Like Our Own

From toddlers to teens, we meet kids where they are—with warmth, patience, and care that grows with them.

We Focus on What Matters Most

Long-term outcomes, not quick prescriptions. Real relationships, not rushed appointments. A plan that evolves with your child’s needs.

What Is Myopia and Why Does It Matter?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects how clearly a child sees distant objects, but more importantly, it reflects how the eye is growing.

In myopia, the eye grows longer than normal. While glasses or contact lenses can correct blurred vision, they do not change this underlying growth pattern.

Excessive eye elongation increases the lifetime risk of serious eye disease, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. For this reason, myopia today is understood as a medical condition that requires thoughtful, long‑term management, not just vision correction.

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How Myopia Progresses in Children

In a normal eye, growth is rapid before the age of 2 and then slows considerably. But for children with myopia, especially those under 10, growth can be rapid and aggressive. Eyes that are abnormally elongated are at increased risk of vision-threatening diseases during adulthood.

That’s why early intervention is so important. If you’re seeking pediatric myopia management we’re here to help you understand your child’s changing vision—and what you can do to decrease their risk.

Myopia affects how the eye grows—not just how a child sees today.
Addressing abnormal eye growth early may help reduce long‑term risk.

How I Approach Myopia Management

Managing myopia well requires medical judgment applied over time—not just choosing a treatment. My approach follows a simple, deliberate process:

Measure

Myopia is driven primarily by abnormal eye growth. Because of this, I begin by measuring what actually matters. In addition to a comprehensive pediatric eye exam, I use optical biometry to measure axial eye length and other structural features of the eye. This allows me to establish a clear baseline and determine whether myopia is being driven by axial growth or other factors. Axial length measurement is the most reliable way to understand how myopia is progressing.

Interpret Risk

Measurements alone are not enough. They must be interpreted in context. I assess each child’s findings using clinical judgment—considering age, family history, growth patterns, and structural measurements—to understand how much risk exists and how quickly things may change. This step guides whether intervention is warranted, and how aggressive—or restrained—that intervention should be.

Treat Selectively

Not every child needs the same approach. When treatment is appropriate, I recommend evidence‑based options chosen to match the child’s specific risk profile, rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all protocol. The goal is not to use the most treatment possible, but the right amount at the right time.

Monitor Over Time

Myopia management is a long‑term process. As children grow, I reassess vision, repeat axial length measurements, and adjust the plan as needed. Follow‑up typically occurs at regular intervals to evaluate whether eye growth is truly slowing—and whether changes in treatment are necessary. This longitudinal oversight is essential to responsible care.

Why This Matters

Many myopia programs are built around a product or preset pathway, with limited measurement and little ability to assess how the eye itself is changing. My approach is different. It is physician‑led, measurement‑driven, and grounded in long‑term responsibility as a child grows.

How I Choose Treatments and Why I’m Selective

Myopia management is not about offering every available option. It is about choosing treatments that meaningfully slow abnormal eye growth while preserving long‑term ocular health. My decisions are guided by one central question:

Is this treatment reliably slowing axial eye growth without introducing unnecessary risk? Excessive axial elongation is what drives long‑term eye disease. Effective myopia care therefore requires objective measurement, sound judgment, and a willingness to be selective. For that reason, I intentionally offer treatments with the best balance of demonstrated benefit, safety, and durability over time—and I choose not to offer others.

The Treatments I Do Offer

The treatments I recommend are selected for their effectiveness, safety, and compatibility with long‑term eye health. Each may be used alone or, when appropriate, in combination—guided by how a child’s eye growth responds over time.
Myopia‑Control Spectacle Lenses (e.g., Stellest)
These lenses look like ordinary glasses but are optically engineered to deliver a continuous “slow‑growth” signal throughout the day. For many children, they provide meaningful myopia control with the lowest medical risk, without contact lenses or corneal alteration.
Daily Disposable Myopia‑Control Contact Lenses (e.g., MiSight)
These lenses provide clear vision while delivering optical defocus to help slow progression. Because they are daily disposables, the risk of infection is lower than with overnight lenses, though still higher than with glasses. They are typically considered for older, motivated children who prefer contact lenses.
Low‑Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low‑dose atropine is used at bedtime to help slow myopia progression. It may be used alone or combined with optical treatments when additional control is needed. At low concentrations, side effects are generally mild, though some children experience irritation or light sensitivity.

Comparing the Options I Use

Myopia-Control Glasses

Use: Daytime glasses
Approach: Continuous optical slow-growth signal
Infection risk: None beyond routine eyewear
Corneal reshaping: No
Often chosen when: Families want strong control with minimal medical risk
Success judged by: Axial length trends over time

Daily Disposable Myopia-Control Contacts

Use: Daily soft contact lenses
Approach: Dual-focus optical defocus
Infection risk: Low, but higher than glasses
Corneal reshaping: No
Often chosen when: Older children prefer contact lenses
Success judged by: Axial length trends over time

Low-Dose Atropine

Use: Nightly eye drops
Approach: Pharmacologic slowing of progression
Infection risk: None
Corneal reshaping: No
Often chosen when: Additional or adjustable control is needed
Success judged by: Axial length trends over time

Why I’m Selective The Treatments Comparing Options

Not All Myopia Management Is Created Equal

Many programs offered through optical shops or retail clinics are built around selling lenses or drops, with little clinical oversight, minimal diagnostics, and a one-size-fits-all approach.

At The Pediatric Eye Center, we do things differently.

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I love how he treated the kids like it's their appointment and not the parents’.

Dr. E. is the sweetest and kindest pediatric ophthalmologist I've ever met.

... an excellent eye doctor, incredibly friendly and patient with my little one, making the entire visit smooth and stress-free.

Dr. Lichtenstein is the best! He’s funny, kind, and really knows his craft.

The best doctor I have ever seen.

The best doctor solved my son’s problem with patience and care.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Eric A. Lichtenstein for the exceptional care provided...

...I have nothing but kind things to say.

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A Physician’s Perspective on Managing Myopia Over Time

Here’s What Sets Our Program Apart as Among the Best Pediatric Myopia Treatment in Queens and Nassau County

Our Myopia Management Program is led by Dr. Eric Lichtenstein, a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist with over 25 years of experience. As a physician, he brings advanced medical training, diagnostic skill, and surgical insight to every child’s care plan.

Bespoke, Physician-Led Care

Dr. Lichtenstein’s approach isn’t about selling lenses or eyedrops—it’s a specialized, physician-led service that combines deep clinical experience with advanced diagnostics and truly personalized care. Every recommendation is grounded in medical insight, long-term thinking, and what’s genuinely best for your child.

Support That Grows With Your Child

This is not a one-time service or product; it’s a long-term partnership with one of the most experienced pediatric eye surgeons in the region who is invested in your child’s future. When families in Queens and Nassau County choose our program for pediatric myopia management, they know they’re gaining a trusted guide through every stage of their child’s visual development.

Explore Our Office

“I always will pick this office for my son! Dr. Eric L. was very knowledgeable, took his time, and explained my son’s eye progression in detail. Also made my son laugh and had a great, friendly, and professional way that I look for in a doctor.”

M. Clark

What is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is a comprehensive eye and vision care approach to myopia and pre-myopia that includes prevention, myopia risk assessment, early detection through screening, appropriate correction, lifestyle recommendations, interventions to reduce myopia progression and axial elongation, monitoring of refraction and axial length, and management of emerging myopia-related complications.

The goal of myopia management is to:

Lower the risk of long-term complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
Reduce how quickly the prescription changes from year to year

Who Is Myopia Management For?

Myopia management is designed for children whose nearsightedness is:

Beginning earlier than is typical (before age 8–9)
Progressing rapidly year over year
Often associated with a strong family history of high myopia

Early intervention is key. The younger the child, the faster their eyes may be growing—and the more opportunity we have to slow things down. If your child’s glasses prescription increases every visit, this program could be the right fit.

Myopia Management Program Overview

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Comprehensive diagnostic eye exam with cycloplegic refraction every 12 months
Optical biometry and keratometry to determine the cause of myopia (axial or corneal), detect early stages of keratoconus, and establish baseline axial eye length
Analysis of your child's unique findings using clinical judgement in combination with an AI powered multi-ethnic database with over 1,000,000 data points
Personalized treatment planning
6 month visits which includes refraction, updated glasses and/or contact lens prescription, optical biometry, analysis of treatment efficacy, and plan for the next 6 months
All necessary eyedrops and lenses

Here’s Why Families Choose Dr. Lichtenstein for Myopia Care

Dr. Lichtenstein isn’t just a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist. He’s also a father and a natural connector. Whether your child is six months or sixteen, he knows how to meet them where they are—with warmth, wit, and confidence that helps everyone feel at ease. He takes time to answer questions, explain options, and build trust with families who’ve often felt rushed or dismissed elsewhere.

Early Intervention Matters Myopia Management for Children in Queens, Nassau and the Tri-State Area

We know it’s hard to make long-term decisions about a child’s vision, especially when they’re young and still growing. But acting now can help prevent more serious complications down the road.

Axial eye growth can be tracked and managed.
Early action gives us the best shot at lasting impact.
Even a slight reduction in eye growth now can lower your child’s risk of significant problems in adulthood.
And unlike most myopia management programs in the area, ours is designed and led by a pediatric ophthalmologist, not a retail provider.

Tailored Eye Care Options for Every Family

At our pediatric ophthalmology practice, we offer two complementary service models—each designed to meet the unique needs of your family. Whether you choose a private-pay or insurance-based route, you'll experience the same compassionate, expert-driven care that sets us apart.

The Pediatric Eye Center Private Pay + Concierge-Level Services

For families not using insurance—or for those seeking services beyond standard coverage—we offer a direct-pay division led by Dr. Lichtenstein. This model includes individualized plans and access to advanced offerings like myopia management, ensuring your child receives care based on need, not limitations.

Pediatric Eye MD Care Within Your Insurance Network

This division supports families who prefer to use their insurance. We partner with many major plans to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for routine exams, diagnostics, and follow-ups. With this option, your child still benefits from our pediatric expertise in a more traditional insurance-supported setting.

FAQ Myopia Management

Is myopia management safe for young children?

Yes. Our treatments have been studied extensively and are considered safe and well-tolerated in children. Each plan is tailored to your child’s age, health, and comfort level.

Can glasses or contacts stop myopia from getting worse?

No. Standard glasses and contacts correct blurry vision, but they don’t stop the eye from growing. That’s why myopia management focuses on slowing the progression, not just fixing the symptoms.

How do we know if the treatment is working?

We use optical biometry and refraction to track your child’s eye growth over time. By tracking these critical data, we can see how the eye is growing —and whether the treatment is slowing that growth as expected. You will receive a detailed, easy to understand copy of your child's progress report at each visit.

Will my child still need glasses?

Yes. Myopia management doesn’t eliminate the need for vision correction, but it often slows the rate of prescription change. Kids continue wearing glasses or contacts during treatment, but typically with less frequent updates.

Does insurance cover myopia treatment?

Most myopia management programs—including ours—are not covered by insurance. However, our all-inclusive annual fee includes diagnostic testing, physician consultations, the actual eyedrops and/or specialized contact lenses, and all necessary follow-up monitoring and management.

How often will we need to come in?

After your initial consultation, we typically see patients every 6 months to track progress and adjust the plan as needed. If additional visits are warranted, it is included in the annual fee and we’ll let you know well in advance— keeping everything as simple and convenient as possible.

A Note to Parents

We know how overwhelming it can feel to manage your child’s health, especially when the issue is unfamiliar or the guidance unclear.

That’s why we’re here: to give you clarity, to walk you through the options, and to offer real, data-driven solutions that you can feel good about.

We won’t overpromise. We won’t push products. We’ll treat your child like one of our own—and offer the kind of care we’d want for our own families.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re seeing your child’s prescription go up year after year—or if your pediatrician has raised concerns—let’s talk. Myopia management isn’t about reacting; it’s about getting ahead of it.