What Is Myopia in Children?
Myopia in children, also known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern worldwide. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Myopia in children often develops between ages 6 and 12 and tends to worsen during the teenage years if left untreated.
How Common Is Myopia in Children?
Recent studies show that nearly 30% of children globally have myopia, and this number is expected to rise dramatically. By 2050, it’s projected that half the world’s population will be myopic, with childhood onset being a major contributor. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend due to increased indoor screen time and reduced outdoor activities.
Causes of Myopia in Children
Myopia in children can result from both genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: A child with one myopic parent has a 2–3 times higher risk. With two myopic parents, the risk increases further.
- Prolonged Near Work: Extended use of phones, tablets, books, and screens up close contributes to eye strain and promotes eye elongation.
- Lack of Outdoor Time: Children who spend less than 1–2 hours outdoors daily are more likely to develop myopia. Natural sunlight exposure helps regulate healthy eye growth.
- Urban Lifestyle: Living in densely populated areas with limited green spaces and reliance on artificial lighting may increase risk.
- Poor Visual Habits: Reading in dim light, holding screens too close, or using devices for long periods without breaks can encourage myopia progression.
Early Symptoms of Myopia in Children
Children may not always recognize or communicate vision issues, so it’s crucial for parents to look for signs of myopia in children:
- Squinting to see distant objects like the board at school
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Poor performance in school or sports
- Blinking or rubbing eyes frequently
- Difficulty seeing road signs or people from a distance
Why Early Treatment of Myopia in Children Is Important
Untreated or rapidly progressing myopia in children can lead to high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of serious eye diseases in adulthood:
- Retinal Detachment
- Myopic Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Early Cataracts
Early intervention can slow progression, reduce long-term risk, and protect your child’s vision into adulthood. Annual eye exams are strongly recommended, especially if one or both parents are nearsighted.
Diagnosing Myopia in Children
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose myopia in children through a full eye exam, which may include:
- Visual acuity test using an eye chart
- Refraction test to determine prescription
- Dilated eye exam to assess internal eye health
- Axial length measurement (optional, for tracking progression)
Best Treatment Options for Myopia in Children (2025)
1. Prescription Glasses
The most common and immediate correction method. Single-vision lenses help children see clearly but do not slow progression.
2. Myopia Control Glasses
New lens technologies like Hoya MiYOSMART and Essilor Stellest are clinically proven to slow myopia progression by using defocus technology. These look like normal glasses and are ideal for children.
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Hard lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. These provide clear vision during the day and are effective in slowing progression in children.
4. Multifocal Contact Lenses
Soft lenses with different focal zones to reduce eye strain and slow axial eye growth. Brands like MiSight are FDA-approved for use in children.
5. Atropine Eye Drops (Low Dose)
Daily use of 0.01%–0.05% atropine eye drops has been shown to slow myopia progression significantly. They are well-tolerated and increasingly recommended by pediatric eye specialists.
Healthy Habits to Prevent or Slow Myopia in Children
- Encourage 2+ hours of outdoor activity daily
- Limit recreational screen time
- Ensure proper lighting during reading and study
- Maintain a reading distance of at least 30–40 cm
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Conclusion
Myopia in children is rising rapidly, but with early detection and modern treatments, it can be managed effectively. Parents should be proactive in recognizing the early signs of myopia in children and schedule routine eye exams. With the right interventions—such as atropine drops, myopia control glasses, Ortho-K, or contact lenses—children can maintain healthy vision and avoid serious complications in adulthood.
Protect your child’s vision today—because early action makes a lasting difference.
