If your child is squinting at the board or holding books too close, it might not just be a phase, it could be myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, this condition is becoming increasingly common in children, especially as screen time and indoor activities rise.
Fortunately, there are clinically proven strategies for managing childhood myopia. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes it, how to control its progression, and what options are available to protect your child’s long-term eye health.
Myopia is a vision condition in which nearby objects appear clear but distant objects are blurry. It typically starts in school-age children and often worsens as they grow.
Common signs of myopia in children include:
Several factors can contribute to myopia development, including:
1. Genetics: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia themselves.
2. Environmental Factors: Spending long hours doing near work (like reading or screen use) and limited outdoor time are strongly associated with increasing rates of myopia in children.
3. Eye Structure: Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or the cornea is too curved. This prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina.
If untreated, myopia can worsen over time, progressing to high myopia, an advanced form that significantly raises the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration later in life.
Managing myopia early can:
Managing myopia doesn’t just mean getting glasses, it involves treatments that aim to slow its progression. Here are the most common and effective methods:
1. Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses: Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses (e.g., MiSight® 1 day): MiSight® is the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lens specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8–12 at the start of treatment. These lenses are worn during the day and work by changing how light focuses on the peripheral retina, helping to reduce the stimulus for eye elongation. As a certified MiSight® provider, our clinic is equipped to assess your child’s suitability and monitor progress with these lenses effectively.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These are specialty contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea while sleeping. They correct vision during the day and may help slow myopia progression.
3. Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are applied nightly and have been clinically shown to slow the progression of myopia with minimal side effects.
4. Myopia-Control Glasses: Some specially designed eyeglass lenses also aim to reduce peripheral blur, which research shows may slow eye growth in children.
In addition to clinical treatments, simple changes in daily habits can also help reduce the risk or progression of myopia:
If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness or their prescription is increasing frequently, a professional evaluation is recommended. During your visit, an eye care professional may:
Contact us to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.
Myopia is more than just blurry distance vision. It’s a progressive condition that can affect your child’s vision for life. Thankfully, with today’s science-backed treatments and early intervention strategies, parents can take a proactive role in managing it.
If your child is showing signs of myopia or has recently had a prescription change, a professional exam can make all the difference. A custom treatment plan tailored to their needs can preserve clear vision and reduce long-term risks.
Myopia typically begins between ages 6 and 14, often progressing through the teenage years.
No, myopia doesn’t go away. But with proper management, its progression can be slowed significantly.
High myopia is a more severe form that increases risks of retinal detachment and other eye complications. It often requires closer monitoring.
Low-dose atropine is generally well tolerated. Some children may experience light sensitivity or slight pupil dilation.
At least once a year or more frequently if rapid changes in prescription or symptoms occur.
