More kids than ever are developing childhood myopia (nearsightedness in kids)—a condition where distant objects appear blurry. With increased screen time and less outdoor play, parents are looking for solutions to slow or stop its progression.
Understanding Childhood Myopia & How to Slow Progression
While myopia cannot be reversed, early intervention can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of serious eye diseases later in life.
What Is Childhood Myopia?
Why Does Nearsightedness in Kids Get Worse Over Time?
Myopia develops when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This change in eye shape leads to blurry distance vision.
Key Causes of Progressive Myopia
Excessive screen time – More near-work activities strain the eyes.
Lack of outdoor play – Natural light helps slow eye elongation.
Genetics – If one or both parents have myopia, kids are more likely to develop it.
How Childhood Myopia Affects Daily Life
Unchecked nearsightedness in kids can impact:
School Performance – Blurry vision makes reading from a board or screen difficult.
Sports & Activities – Poor depth perception can affect hand-eye coordination.
Eye Strain & Fatigue – Increased screen time leads to discomfort, dry eyes, and headaches.
Long-Term Vision Health – Severe myopia increases risks for glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
Early treatment helps preserve vision and prevent complications.
Childhood Myopia Control: Best Treatment Options
There is no cure for nearsightedness in kids, but several treatment options can slow its progression and protect eye health.
1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Non-Surgical Myopia Control
What it is: Hard contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea.
How it works: Provides clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.
Best for: Active kids who don’t want daytime lenses.
Effectiveness: Slows myopia progression significantly.
2. MiSight® Contact Lenses: FDA-Approved for Myopia Control
What it is: Daily disposable contacts that slow myopia progression.
How it works: Special design reduces eye elongation.
Best for: Kids who prefer contacts over glasses.
Effectiveness: Clinically proven to slow myopia progression.
3. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Simple & Effective
What it is: Prescription eye drops that relax eye muscles.
How it works: Slows excessive eye growth.
Best for: Kids who cannot wear contacts.
Effectiveness: Reduces myopia progression by up to 50%.
4. Myopia Control Glasses: Slowing Nearsightedness in Kids
What it is: Glasses with special lenses that slow myopia.
How it works: Peripheral vision defocus helps control eye elongation.
Best for: Young children or those who prefer glasses.
Effectiveness: Less powerful than Ortho-K or MiSight® but still effective.
Why Myopia Control Matters: Risks of Severe Nearsightedness in Kids
Without proper treatment, childhood myopia increases the risk of:
Retinal Detachment – Myopic eyes are more prone to retinal tears.
Glaucoma – Increased risk of optic nerve damage.
Macular Degeneration – Vision loss from eye tissue damage.
Early Cataracts – Myopia increases early cataract formation.
Taking steps to slow progression protects long-term vision.
How to Slow Nearsightedness in Kids Naturally
Parents can help slow myopia progression by making small lifestyle changes:
Encourage Outdoor Play – At least 90 minutes a day in natural light helps.
Limit Screen Time – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams – Early detection helps track and control myopia over time.
90 minutes of natural light daily can help slow childhood myopia. Get outside and play!
Rivertown Eye Care: Your Partner in Myopia Control
At Rivertown Eye Care, we specialize in childhood myopia treatments to help slow progression and protect long-term vision.
Comprehensive Myopia Screenings
Personalized Treatment Plans
The Latest Myopia Control Lenses & Glasses
Protect Your Child’s Vision Today!
Schedule an eye exam at Rivertown Eye Care to explore the best myopia management options for your child.