Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, affects a growing number of children worldwide. Understanding the latest research helps parents make informed decisions about their child's eye care and treatment options.
A study published in 2015 by the National Institutes of Health confirmed a significant increase in myopia among American children. The World Health Organization named the global rise in myopia as a major public health issue in 2019, calling for more resources to address this trend.
Research suggests that genetics, ethnicity, time spent outdoors, and screen time all play roles in childhood myopia development. Children with a family history of nearsightedness may have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
Multiple studies suggest that spending more time outdoors may help reduce a child's risk of developing myopia. This is especially important for children whose parents are nearsighted. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends outdoor activity as part of healthy vision habits for children.
High myopia, where the eye becomes significantly elongated, increases the risk of several serious eye conditions. These include glaucoma, retinal disease, and cataracts. The risk level tends to increase as myopia severity increases.
Retinal disease represents one of the biggest eye health threats linked to myopia. Research summarizing multiple clinical studies concluded that vision impairment and blindness risks will continue to rise without efforts to slow myopia progression in children.
Every diopter of myopia progression increases a child's lifetime risk of vision problems. Slowing myopia while a child is young can help reduce these risks and protect long-term eye health. Our children's vision symptom checker can help you identify early signs of vision changes.
Several treatments have shown effectiveness in slowing myopia progression in children. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our fellowship-trained optometrists use evidence-based myopia management treatments tailored to each child's needs.
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps. Children can then see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. Long-term studies following children for up to 12 years found this method effective in slowing myopia progression with a clinically acceptable safety profile.
Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC and Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA have advanced training in ortho-k fitting. Dr. Schramm served as principal investigator for the Euclid Phoenix ortho-k trial.
Low-dose atropine eye drops represent another treatment option, particularly for younger children or those whose myopia is progressing quickly. Studies including the ATOM2 trial have demonstrated the effectiveness of prescription eye drops in treating pediatric myopia. Some children benefit from combining atropine with other treatments.
Multifocal soft contact lenses designed for myopia control have shown positive results. A three-year trial demonstrated that these lenses effectively slow myopia progression in children. The American Optometric Association supports their use as an effective treatment option.
Specially designed glasses lenses can also help slow myopia progression. Insight Vision Center Optometry offers options including Stellest lenses. Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, FIAOMC serves on the EssilorLuxottica advisory board for Stellest and has extensive experience with myopia control spectacles.
Research from the International Myopia Institute emphasizes the importance of measuring eyeball length, called axial length, when treating myopia. Tracking this measurement over time helps determine how well treatment is working. Insight Vision Center Optometry uses the Zeiss AXL WAVE Optical Biometer to painlessly and quickly measure eye length.
Children in myopia management programs need regular monitoring to assess treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Our optometrists track both prescription changes and axial length growth to help ensure strong outcomes.
Some parents hear conflicting information about ortho-k and eye pressure. Current research has not shown that wearing orthokeratology lenses increases eye pressure or glaucoma risk. Multiple studies have examined intraocular pressure after overnight orthokeratology use and found no cause for concern.
Untreated progressive myopia itself increases glaucoma risk over time. Studies demonstrate that high myopia is a risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma. Taking steps to slow myopia progression may help reduce this long-term risk.
Studies following ortho-k patients for five or more years consistently show the treatment safely and effectively reduces myopia progression in young children. Research continues to support orthokeratology as a well-established myopia control option.
Research comparing children wearing orthokeratology lenses to those wearing regular glasses has examined vision-related quality of life. Studies show good acceptance of ortho-k treatment among children, with many appreciating the freedom from daytime glasses or contacts.
Studies have examined factors affecting ortho-k success in different populations. Results help eye doctors predict which patients may benefit most and optimize fitting approaches for individual needs.
Myopia management can begin as soon as myopia is diagnosed, often between ages 6 and 12. Starting treatment earlier, when the eyes are still developing, may provide more benefit over time. Your eye doctor can help determine the right timing based on your child's specific situation.
The best treatment depends on factors including your child's age, prescription, lifestyle, and ability to handle contact lenses. During a myopia management consultation, we will discuss options and recommend an approach suited to your child's needs.
Coverage varies by plan and treatment type. Our team can help you understand your benefits and explore options. While some costs may be out of pocket, many families find the investment worthwhile given the potential reduction in future eye health risks.
Most children continue myopia management until their late teens when eye growth naturally slows. The exact timeline varies by individual. Regular monitoring helps determine when treatment intensity can be reduced.
Current treatments focus on slowing myopia progression rather than reversing it. However, preventing further progression can significantly reduce your child's lifetime risk of myopia-related eye problems. Children will still need vision correction but may end up with a lower final prescription.
Without intervention, myopia typically continues progressing throughout childhood. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life. Early management aims to keep myopia at lower levels to protect long-term eye health.
