Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
It occurs when the eye grows too long or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia often develops during childhood and teenage years, and it may worsen as children grow.
Myopia control refers to treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.
While glasses and contact lenses can correct vision, myopia control treatments aim to reduce how quickly the prescription worsens over time.
Slowing myopia progression can help reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
High levels of myopia increase the risk of several eye diseases later in life, including:
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Myopic maculopathy
• Cataracts
Myopia control treatments help reduce these long-term risks by slowing the growth of the eye during childhood.
Myopia control treatments are most effective when started early, typically between ages 6 and 12.
However, teenagers may also benefit from treatment depending on their rate of myopia progression.
Your optometrist will evaluate your child’s vision and determine if myopia control is appropriate.
There are several proven methods used to help slow myopia progression, including:
Specialized contact lenses
These lenses are designed to slow eye growth while correcting vision.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Special overnight contact lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping so children can see clearly during the day without glasses.
Atropine eye drops
Low-dose atropine drops may help slow myopia progression in some children.
Lifestyle recommendations
Increasing outdoor time and reducing prolonged near work can also help support eye health.
Your optometrist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child.
Currently, myopia cannot be permanently cured, but it can be managed and controlled.
Myopia control treatments aim to slow progression, helping children maintain lower prescriptions as they grow.
Myopia often progresses most rapidly between the ages of 6 and 16.
Without treatment, a child’s prescription may increase every year. Myopia control treatments can help slow this progression significantly.
Signs that a child may have myopia include:
• Squinting to see distant objects
• Sitting very close to screens or books
• Complaints of blurry distance vision
• Difficulty seeing the classroom board
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
A comprehensive children’s eye exam can determine whether myopia is present.
Research suggests that extended near work, such as prolonged screen time or reading, may contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
Encouraging children to take regular breaks from screens and spend more time outdoors may help reduce the risk.
Studies suggest that children who spend at least 1–2 hours outdoors each day may have a lower risk of developing myopia.
Natural daylight and distance viewing appear to help support healthy eye development.
Yes. Most myopia control treatments are well studied and considered safe when prescribed and monitored by an optometrist.
Regular follow-up appointments allow the optometrist to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Children with myopia should typically have eye exams every 6–12 months to monitor progression and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Regular monitoring ensures the treatment is working properly.
Yes. Genetics play an important role.
Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted have a higher risk of developing myopia.
However, lifestyle factors such as screen use and limited outdoor time can also contribute.
Myopia control treatments are primarily designed for children and teenagers, because the eye is still growing during those years.
Once eye growth stabilizes in adulthood, the focus shifts to vision correction rather than slowing progression.
If you are concerned about your child’s vision, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the first step.
Our clinic offers myopia assessments and personalized treatment plans to help manage nearsightedness and protect long-term eye health.