Vision Therapy in Ocala

Is Your Child A Candidate for Myopia Management?

(352) 512-0560

Why Myopia Control Matters

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that plagues millions of children worldwide. When a child is nearsighted, distant objects appear blurry, while those up close remain crystal clear. It's a condition that impacts their vision and can affect various aspects of their daily lives.

The good news is that myopia can be managed. Myopia management is a proactive approach aimed at slowing down or even halting the progression of myopia in children. By intervening and seeking expert solutions, you can help ensure your child's visual health remains strong as they develop.

Exploring myopia management options is not just a choice; it's a commitment to safeguarding your child's visual health and well-being.

young girl with glasses rubbing eyes


boy with glasses holding head

Understanding Myopia and How it Affects Children

Myopia often begins during childhood and, if left unmanaged, can progress and lead to more severe nearsightedness. This progression increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment later in life.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Myopia

Children experiencing myopia may exhibit symptoms such as:

  • squinting
  • headaches
  • eye strain
  • difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school
  • needing to sit close to the TV

If you've noticed these signs in your child, it's essential to schedule an eye exam to assess their eye health and determine their level of myopia.


Why Early Intervention is Necessary

Effective myopia management requires early intervention. Catching myopia early and slowing the condition’s progression can significantly reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with developing severe eye conditions later on.

boy rubbing eyes


Exploring Myopia Management: Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding myopia's causes and risk factors in children is essential for effective management. Several key factors contribute to the development of myopia, impacting children's vision and overall eye health:

  • Myopia Runs in the Family

    A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of your child developing this condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive management.

  • The Impact of Too Much Screen Time

    Excessive hours spent reading or using digital screens significantly increase the likelihood of myopia development in children, highlighting the need to balance screen time with outdoor activities.

  • Inadequate Outdoor Exposure

    Children who don't spend enough time outdoors are at a greater risk of developing myopia. Outdoor activities and natural light play an essential role in maintaining good vision.

  • Childhood Onset and Rapid Progression

    Myopia often emerges during childhood and may progress more rapidly during growth spurts. Early intervention during these crucial years is essential for slowing its progression and preserving clear vision.

Patient Reviews
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998 Reviews
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- Aug. 27, 2025
My visit here was fantastic from the moment I walked in and throughout my whole appointment. Alex wa... s my eye tech. She was very professional, friendly and made me feel very comfortable during all of my testing. She explained each test in detail which I appreciated! Doctor Castello is extremely nice and took his time to explain everything in detail regarding my test results. Check out was a breeze with Courtney. She is so pleasant! I am so very happy and grateful to have such a wonderful place to come to for my eye care. They really do make you feel like family. Thank you eye care center of Ocala!
- Aug. 21, 2025
I’m very happy that I found this facility! Alex and Dr. Castello were both very friendly and help... ful. The wait time was minimal and it was easy to get in to be seen. I highly recommend Eye Care Center of Ocala.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Excellent service.
- Aug. 20, 2025
Went last week and Christina was very helpful and super friendly thank you!
- Aug. 19, 2025
Very clean, the people are friendly. I don’t wear contacts or glasses but go for my yearly checkup... here. Yesterday Alex did my exam and was very friendly and efficient. I would recommend this office.
- Aug. 15, 2025
For twenty years I have battled an eye condition and worked in customer service. I have visited many... eye doctors and clinics. Without any hesitation I can say I wish there something greater than a five star rating. From the moment I walked in I was treated like I truly mattered, and not like my name was there to just fill an appointment slot. Each step was efficient, but I was not rushed. Alex took my information. She looked me in the eye's and LISTENED. She was professional and compassionate. It was clear she takes pride in her profession. In a very short time Dr. Castello came in and treated me like I was the most important person in the world. He didn't rush. He was interested and focused. All doctors have many years of training, but what Dr. Castello and the whole staff have is something that can't be trained. They have humanity. They treat others the same way they would want to be treated.
- Aug. 15, 2025
It was refreshing to come across a kind eye technician (Gailyn). Extremely helpful and knowledgeable... .
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had an outstanding experience with Eye Care Center of Ocala on 08-13-25. Had follow up visit after ... my surgery with Dr. Castello and Alex. Both were exceptional with my eye care. Their attention to detail, compassion and concern for my eyes made me feel grateful I had found them. The entire staff was wonderful from the moment I walked in right up to the time I left. If you are looking for exceptional eye care I highly recommend Eye Care Center and wished I had been going there all along. Penny assisted me with finding the perfect glasses from previous visit. Very patient and kind. Service is the best and has been every time I walked thru the door.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My Tech Gailyn was perfect very knowledgeable and she was incredibly helpful
- Aug. 14, 2025
The Eye Care Center of Ocala does an amazing job! Alex has always been amazing when doing my exam. D... r. Castello is very knowledgeable and takes time to answer any concerns I have about my eyesight.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great first experience, very clean office and attentive care from Christine. All my question... s answered and eye health fully assessed.
- Aug. 14, 2025
Great staff and Alex is awesome!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had an amazing experience with Christine, ophthalmology technician, during my visit. From the mome... nt I walked in, she made me feel completely at ease, explaining every step of the process with patience and care. It was clear she genuinely wanted to ensure I understood everything about my eye health, and their warm demeanor made the whole experience so much more comfortable. It’s rare to come across someone so professional yet so kind, and I really appreciated the personal touch they brought to my appointment. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
Had a great experience. Christine was great at helping me and very nice. These guys are one of a kin... d. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2025
i was helped by gailyn. superb service. would definitely go again.
- Aug. 14, 2025
My experience here was amazing! The whole staff was excellent, specifically the tech Gailyn. She was... so accommodating and patient with me, was very thorough and explained everything clearly. High recommend!
- Aug. 14, 2025
I flew in all the way from New York, and Gailyn was one of the first encounters. The team is amazing... . When I tell you great service is an understatement. This place does wonders, just stop what you’re doing and go to Eye Care Center of Ocala. They don’t disappoint!
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit the establishment was clean and the process fast very efficient! The Tech I had Gail... yn was very accommodating and answered all my questions 10/10 would recommend
- Aug. 14, 2025
During my visit, Gailyn was a terrific tech. Her kindness throughout the visit made me feel comforta... ble with my decision making of my eye wear. I will definitely be returning in the future.
- Aug. 14, 2025
I had a great experience at this office. The service was professional and efficient, and I especiall... y want to thank the tech, Gailyn. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. She explained everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience. It’s rare to find someone who combines skill with such a warm attitude, and Gailyn truly made my visit a positive one. Highly recommend this office and their staff!

View All 998 Reviews

Myopia Management in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Photograph of Lauren  Chermak
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

boy rubbing eyes

Myopia Management for Children of All Ages

If you've noticed signs of myopia in your child or are concerned about their eye health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at Eye Care Center of Ocala. Our team is committed to helping your child enjoy a future with clear, unaided vision.

We believe in providing myopia management for children of all ages. No matter your child's age, we can tailor a myopia management plan to their needs. Early intervention is the key to success.

Contact Eye Care Center of Ocala  today to determine if your child qualifies for myopia management.Take the first step towards better health.

(352) 512-0560