Myopia Control: How to Slow Myopia Progression in Children

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, distant objects may appear blurry while nearby objects are easier to see.

In children, the eye is still developing and growing. When the eye becomes too long, myopia can become stronger over time. This may mean your child needs a stronger prescription as they grow.

Common signs of myopia in children include:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting close to the television

• Holding books or digital devices very close

• Difficulty seeing the classroom board

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Complaints of blurry distance vision

• Difficulty recognizing people or objects from far away

If you notice these signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your child's vision.

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What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control, also called myopia management, refers to treatments and strategies designed to slow the progression of myopia in children.

The goal isn't simply to give a child stronger glasses when their prescription changes. Instead, myopia management aims to reduce how quickly the condition progresses and help manage the potential long-term risks associated with higher levels of myopia.

There is no single myopia control treatment that works for every child. An eye care professional can evaluate your child's prescription, eye health, age, and rate of progression to determine which options may be appropriate.

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Myopia Control Options for Children

Several approaches may be considered when managing progressive myopia.

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1. Myopia-Control Glasses

Specially designed spectacle lenses can provide clear vision while incorporating optical designs intended to slow myopia progression.

These lenses may be an option for children who are not ready for contact lenses or whose parents prefer a glasses-based approach.

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2. Myopia-Control Contact Lenses

Certain multifocal or specially designed contact lenses may help slow the progression of myopia in children.

Contact lenses can provide clear vision while using specific optical designs intended for myopia management. Proper fitting, hygiene, and follow-up care are especially important for children wearing contact lenses.

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3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.

In addition to providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses, Ortho-K may help slow myopia progression in some children.

Because Ortho-K involves overnight contact lens wear, proper fitting, hygiene, and regular professional monitoring are essential.

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4. Low-Dose Atropine

Low-dose atropine eye drops may also be considered as part of a myopia management plan.

Research has found that atropine can slow myopia progression in children, although the appropriate concentration and treatment plan can vary from one patient to another.

Your eye care professional can determine whether atropine may be appropriate based on your child's individual needs.

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Can Outdoor Time Help Prevent Myopia?

Lifestyle habits can also play an important role in children's eye health.

Spending more time outdoors has been associated with a lower risk of developing myopia in children. Encouraging children to spend time outside every day can be a simple and healthy addition to their routine.

Outdoor activities can include:

• Playing sports

• Riding a bicycle

• Walking or hiking

• Playing at the park

• Outdoor games with friends

• Simply spending time outside as a family

Outdoor time should complement—not replace—regular eye examinations and professional myopia management when needed.

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What About Screen Time?

Children today spend a significant amount of time using smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices.

While screens are not necessarily the sole cause of myopia, prolonged periods of near work can contribute to visual fatigue and may reduce the amount of time children spend outdoors.

Encourage your child to take regular breaks during prolonged near work. The 20-20-20 rule is one simple approach: every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Encouraging outdoor activity and healthy visual habits can be beneficial for overall eye health.

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Why Is Myopia Control Important?

Managing myopia early is important because higher levels of myopia can be associated with an increased lifetime risk of certain eye conditions.

The earlier progressive myopia is identified, the sooner parents can discuss appropriate management options with an eye care professional.

Instead of simply asking, “Does my child need stronger glasses?”, consider asking:

“Is my child's myopia progressing, and would myopia management be appropriate?”

That conversation can be an important step toward protecting your child's long-term vision.

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When Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?

Children may not always realize that their vision is blurry. Some simply assume that everyone sees the world the same way.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect vision problems even when your child doesn't complain about their eyesight.

Consider scheduling an eye exam if your child:

• Squints frequently

• Complains about blurry vision

• Sits very close to screens

• Has difficulty seeing the board at school

• Frequently experiences headaches or eye strain

• Has a family history of myopia

• Has a prescription that has been increasing

Regular eye examinations allow your eye care professional to monitor changes in your child's vision and determine whether myopia management should be considered.

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Give Your Child's Vision the Attention It Deserves

Myopia doesn't have to be something parents simply watch get worse year after year. Myopia control and myopia management can provide options for slowing progression in appropriate children.

If your child's prescription is increasing, talk with an eye care professional about their risk factors and available treatment options.

Schedule a comprehensive children's eye exam today to learn more about myopia control and find the right approach for your child's vision.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia Control

What is myopia control?
Myopia control is the use of treatments and strategies intended to slow the progression of nearsightedness, particularly in children.

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Can myopia be reversed?
Current myopia management treatments are generally intended to slow progression rather than permanently reverse existing myopia.

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What is the best myopia control treatment for children?
There is no single treatment that is best for every child. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as age, prescription, rate of progression, eye health, and lifestyle.

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Does outdoor time help with myopia?
Spending more time outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia in children. It is an important healthy habit to discuss with your eye care professional.

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How often should my child's eyes be checked?
The appropriate frequency depends on your child's age, eye health, prescription, and risk of myopia progression. Your eye care professional can recommend an examination schedule.

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