How One Doctor Mom Tackled Myopia in Her Kids | Shieva Ghofrany, MD
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If your child has recently been prescribed glasses, you may be wondering—is it just glasses? Or is there more I should know?
As a pediatric ophthalmologist, I spend a lot of time talking to families about myopia (nearsightedness). It’s one of the most common conditions I treat—and one of the fastest rising worldwide. But what most parents don’t realize is that myopia isn’t just about thicker glasses or stronger prescriptions. It’s about long-term eye health. High myopia increases the risk for serious eye diseases like retinal detachments, glaucoma, and cataracts.
That’s why I invited my friend and colleague, Shieva Ghofrany, MD, to join me on the In Focus podcast. She’s a board-certified OB-GYN, a mom of three, and what we call a “high myope” herself—with a prescription of -8. Her story is powerful because it highlights both the medical side and the very real, messy parenting side of managing kids’ vision.
Growing Up with High Myopia
Dr. Ghofrany described what life is really like when you can’t see more than a few inches in front of you. Imagine not being able to tell the difference between shampoo and conditioner bottles in your shower—or needing to carry spare contacts and glasses in a fanny pack “just in case” of an emergency. That was her normal.
And with a strong family history of myopia, she knew there was a good chance her kids could inherit the same struggles.
The Parenting Decision: Non-Negotiable
When her children started showing signs of nearsightedness, Dr. Ghofrany dove into treatments—starting with orthokeratology (hard contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea) nearly a decade ago, long before newer options were widely available in the U.S.
She was candid about how tough it was at first: tears, fights over putting in and removing lenses, travel into Manhattan for appointments, and the high cost. But she also made one thing clear: this was non-negotiable.
“I give my kids agency in many things—clothing, daily choices. But this? This was too important. I wasn’t going to let them argue their way out of protecting their eyes.”
That perspective is so important for parents to hear. Myopia management isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.
Today’s Options: Easier Than Ever
Back when Dr. Ghofrany started, orthokeratology was the main option. Now, families have choices:
Low-dose atropine drops (used nightly, proven to slow progression)
Soft multifocal contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control
Specialized eyeglasses (available outside the U.S.)
All three approaches have been shown to slow down worsening myopia. Drops are often the easiest to manage, especially for younger kids, and FDA approval for commercially available low-dose atropine is expected very soon—making access even simpler.
Why This Matters
Parents sometimes ask me, “What’s the difference between a -2 and a -8? Glasses fix it, right?” But the truth is, the higher the prescription, the higher the risk for serious eye disease later in life. Even stabilizing a child at a -2 or -3 instead of letting them progress to a -9 can make a massive difference in both vision and quality of life.
And no—LASIK isn’t a cure. Even if someone gets laser vision correction, the structure of the eye (its elongation) remains. That means the risks for retinal detachment or glaucoma remain as well.
What Parents Can Do
Get informed early. The younger you start treatment, the more effective it is.
Ask your eye doctor directly about myopia management. If they don’t offer it, ask for a referral or find a provider who does.
Encourage outdoor time. Just two hours a day outdoors has been shown to help protect against worsening myopia.
Don’t dismiss “just glasses.” Glasses correct blurry vision—but they don’t address progression.
The Bottom Line
As Dr. Ghofrany said on the podcast:
“Of all the medical things I’ve been through, this is the one I wish I could have prevented. And now, for my kids, I can.”
That’s why conversations like these matter. Myopia management is not a gimmick. It’s real, it works, and it can protect your child’s vision for life.
Want to Learn More?
This is just the beginning. In upcoming episodes, we’ll explore:
-How screen time and digital habits are shaping our kids’ development
–The connection between vision and overall health
–What you need to know about common eye procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery
–Practical ways to advocate for your child’s visual needs
You can subscribe to my podcast, In Focus, anywhere you listen—or follow along on Instagram for updates and tips.
Watch this episode on Youtube right now!
Thanks for reading—and for doing what you can to protect your child’s vision, one step at a time.
– Dr. Rupa Wong
Pediatric Ophthalmologist | Surgeon | Mom of 3
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com
