Myopia Control in Children – What Parents Need to Know
- visionopolisclinic
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Myopia Control in Children – What Parents Need to Know
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. As an optometrist, I’ve witnessed a noticeable rise in young patients developing myopia at earlier ages—and with faster progression. Myopia control is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for safeguarding long-term children’s eye health.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. Children with myopia often squint, sit too close to screens, or complain of headaches and poor vision in class.
The earlier myopia starts, the higher the chance it will worsen over time—potentially leading to high myopia, which is linked to serious eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life.
Why Is Myopia Increasing?
Modern lifestyles play a significant role. Children are spending more time indoors, engaging in near work like reading, writing, or using digital devices. Limited outdoor time and excessive screen exposure are known risk factors for myopia progression.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to a range of clinical treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Unlike traditional eyeglasses that simply correct blurry vision, these treatments aim to manage how fast myopia worsens.
Common Myopia Control Options:
Myopia Control Glasses: Specially designed spectacle lenses that reduce peripheral defocus, helping to limit myopia progression.
Myopia control specialised lens. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea and slow myopia progression.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses provide different focal zones that reduce eye strain and help control eye growth.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine (typically 0.01%) is applied nightly to slow down the elongation of the eye.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The key to effective myopia management is early diagnosis. Routine eye exams are crucial—even if your child isn’t complaining of blurry vision. Children’s eyes can change rapidly, and early intervention can make a significant difference in slowing myopia progression.
I recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam by age 5, or earlier if there’s a family history of myopia. From there, yearly exams are vital to monitor changes.
What Parents Can Do
Besides clinical treatments, parents play a critical role in supporting healthy vision habits:
Encourage at least 90 minutes of outdoor time each day
Limit recreational screen time, especially on handheld devices
Promote the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Ensure proper lighting during reading or homework
Final Thoughts
As an optometrist, my mission is not only to correct vision but to protect it. Myopia control in children is a proactive step toward better lifelong eye health. Don’t wait for symptoms—early detection and intervention are your best tools in managing this growing concern.
