Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a progressive disease typically caused by the eye growing too long. Myopia progresses fastest in childhood, especially in kids under 10 years old. Eventually, this excessive growth can lead to diseases that limit vision and or even cause blindness later in life.
Left untreated, myopia can have a significant lifelong impact, affecting physical, social, and emotional well-being. Without intervention, myopia worsens, and over time the chance of sight-threatening complications increases:
The good news is that early management can help slow and even stop myopic progression.
The Robert Cizik Eye Clinic offers treatment options tailored to your child’s needs and routinely monitors and adjusts strategies over time. These treatments involve special eye drops and contact lenses originally intended for other eye conditions and diseases. Our physicians can prescribe off-label to help our young patients manage myopia early on. Treatments can include:
A very low dose of these drops before bedtime temporarily dilates a child’s eyes and helps the muscles relax.
Two types of soft contact lenses are available for myopia treatment: MiSight® is an FDA-approved daily disposable. Multifocal monthly lenses that are worn only during the day provide an option for children whose prescriptions are not compatible with MiSight contact lenses.
Worn overnight, these rigid contacts gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia control glasses are a new option that was recently approved by the FDA. They are just like traditional glasses, but are specially designed to slow down the progression of myopia in children.
Enrollment in our Myopia Management Program includes all services and materials for one year. This includes:
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 in the Texas Medical Center. This glass-walled space overlooks the Rice University campus, Hermann Park, and downtown Houston. We have multiple exam areas, operating rooms, and laser suites, all well equipped with the latest equipment and technology.
Young patients and their families enjoy a pleasant, efficient clinic experience, thanks to the efforts of our friendly staff. In fact, patients travel from across the country for the exceptional resources and expertise we offer through our association with the renowned McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Our providers are faculty and staff members at the medical school, and our ophthalmologists are certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. We take a holistic approach to your health and well-being.
Physicians at the Cizik Eye Clinic engage referring physicians in the care of their patients, keeping them informed about patient progress throughout the evaluation and treatment process. After a patient’s treatment, referring physicians receive a summary and a plan for follow-up. Our doctors encourage continued communication about each patient.
Stephanie Handal, OD
Optometrist
Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Stephanie Handal, OD, is a therapeutic and glaucoma optometric specialist who treats both adults and pediatric patients at the Robert Cizik Eye Clinic. Dr. Handal is particularly skilled in progressive myopia management involving a variety of strategies and treatments, including complex contact lens fitting. She also collaborates with the clinic’s team of ophthalmology specialists and surgeons to provide comprehensive care.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.