Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition in which distant objects appear blurry while near objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Children with myopia may have difficulty seeing the board at school, watching television, recognizing distant objects, or seeing clearly while driving as they get older. Myopia often progresses throughout childhood and adolescence, leading to stronger prescriptions over time.
What Is High Myopia?
High myopia is typically defined as nearsightedness greater than -6.00 diopters or an eye length greater than 26.5 mm. Children who develop myopia at an early age or who have parents with high myopia are at greater risk for developing high myopia over time.
Why Is Myopia a Concern?
Myopia is increasing worldwide and is expected to affect nearly half of the global population by 2050. In children, myopia usually progresses as the eye continues to grow during childhood and adolescence.
As myopia increases, the risk of future eye conditions such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision-threatening complications also increases. Early intervention and myopia management may help slow progression and reduce long-term risks.
What Increases the Risk of Myopia?
Several factors may contribute to the development and progression of myopia, including:
- Family history of nearsightedness
- Early onset of myopia in childhood
- Excessive near work or prolonged screen time
- Limited outdoor activity
Excessive near work and prolonged screen use may contribute to worsening myopia progression. Encourage children to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Increased outdoor time has also been shown to help slow myopia progression.
Why Manage Myopia in Children?
Myopia typically progresses fastest in younger children, especially those under age 10. Myopia management focuses on treatments designed to help slow excessive eye growth and reduce progression over time.
The short-term benefit of treatment is that your child’s prescription may change more slowly, helping maintain clearer vision between eye examinations. The long-term goal is to reduce the lifetime risk of serious eye diseases associated with high myopia.
Research has shown that even reducing myopia progression by a small amount may significantly lower the risk of future vision complications.
Myopia Management Treatment Options
Specialized Contact Lenses
Standard contact lenses correct blurry vision but do not slow myopia progression. Certain specially designed contact lenses may help slow the progression of myopia while also correcting vision.
We offer MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, which are FDA-approved for myopia management in children. These daily disposable lenses are designed with specialized treatment zones that may help slow eye growth associated with myopia progression.
Benefits of Contact Lenses
- Improved confidence during school and sports activities
- Clear vision throughout the day
- Daily disposable lenses offer convenience and excellent hygiene
- Effective option for many children and teens
Risks & Safety
As with any contact lens wear, there is a small risk of eye infection. Daily disposable contact lenses have been shown to have a lower risk compared to reusable lenses. Proper hygiene and handling are essential to maintaining safe lens wear.
Most children adapt quickly and comfortably to contact lens wear with proper instruction and supervision.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops are commonly used to help slow myopia progression in children. These specially compounded drops are typically used once nightly and may help reduce the rate of eye growth.
Because atropine does not correct blurry vision, glasses or contact lenses are still needed for clear vision.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects may include:
- Mild light sensitivity
- Temporary difficulty focusing up close
- Mild eye irritation
Low-dose atropine is generally well tolerated by children when used as directed.
Specialized Myopia Control Glasses
We offer Essilor Stellest® lenses, specially designed spectacle lenses that may help slow myopia progression in children. These lenses use innovative HALT™ technology to create peripheral defocus, which may help reduce eye elongation associated with myopia progression.
Stellest® lenses are an excellent non-invasive option for children who prefer glasses or may not yet be ready for contact lenses.
Benefits
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Non-invasive treatment option
- Effective for many children with progressing myopia
Considerations
For optimal effectiveness, lenses should be worn consistently throughout the day. Insurance coverage for myopia management lenses may vary.
Who Should Be Evaluated for Myopia Management?
Children may benefit from a myopia management evaluation if they:
- Have increasing nearsightedness
- Need frequent prescription changes
- Have one or both parents who are nearsighted
- Developed myopia at an early age
- Spend prolonged time on screens or near work
Not every child is a candidate for every treatment option. Recommendations are individualized based on age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle factors.
Schedule a Myopia Management Consultation
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term eye health. To schedule a Myopia Management Consultation, please call our office at (305) 662-8390 or email us at [email protected].
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