Childhood Myopia
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness is a vision condition affecting 40 percent of the U.S. population. Some research supports the theory that nearsightedness is hereditary. Myopia that begins in childhood will increase and progress as a child ages. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Overview
What is childhood myopia (nearsightedness)?
Nearsightedness, or childhood myopia, is a vision condition that occurs in children in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, has too much curvature. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly, and distant objects look blurred.
How to Tell If Your Child is Nearsighted
Children often don’t realize their vision is blurry because they assume everyone sees the world the way they do. Look out for these common warning signs of childhood myopia:
- Has an eye that is turning in or out
- Complains of frequent headaches
- Says they see double when reading
- Says words appear to move on the page
- Has difficulty with hand-body coordination
- Has a short attention span with reading and writing
- Has difficulty remembering things they read
- Sits to close to the TV or holds books too close
- Has difficulty recognizing colors, shapes, letters or numbers
- Complains of blurriness or words going in and out of focus
If you notice these behaviors, it is time to schedule a comprehensive exam with one of our pediatric eye doctors.
- Has an eye that is turning in or out
- Complains of frequent headaches
- Says they see double when reading
- Says words appear to move on the page
- Has difficulty with hand-body coordination
- Has a short attention span with reading and writing
- Has difficulty remembering things they read
- Sits to close to the TV or holds books too close
- Has difficulty recognizing colors, shapes, letters or numbers
- Complains of blurriness or words going in and out of focus
If you notice these behaviors, it is time to schedule a comprehensive exam with one of our pediatric eye doctors.
High Myopia
What is childhood high myopia (nearsightedness)?
High Myopia is a rare inherited type of high-degree nearsightedness. It happens when your child’s eyeballs grow longer than they should or the cornea is too steep. High myopia is linked to eye diseases such as retinal detachments and glaucoma. Left untreated, high myopia complications can lead to blindness, so regular eye exams are critical.
Control
Myopia Control
Myopia is a correctable vision disorder using glasses and contact lenses. Treating the condition before the eyes have fully matured has been show to produce better outcomes.
Treatment
What are the treatment options for childhood myopia (nearsightedness)?
Several myopia control treatments for children are available, and our doctors will help identify the best treatment. Treatment may include one or multiple combinations of the following:
- Ortho-K Contact Lenses
- Natural Vue Contact Lenses
- MiSight® Myopia Management Program
- Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Slow the Myopia Progression in Kids
Controlling the progression of myopia is limited to early forms of myopia in young children. As the eye continues to grow, the amount of myopia typically increases. As an individual matures, the changes in myopia slow because the human body is no longer growing at a rapid rate.
Consult a Pediatric Myopia Specialist at Simon Eye
At Simon Eye, Dr. Ide, Dr. Maus, and Dr. Vincent are specialize in myopia control treatment and can provide consultation on the best treatment eyecare plan for your child.
Childhood Myopia FAQs
Can childhood myopia be cured?
Although there is currently no cure for nearsightedness, myopia control treatments can help slow its progression and, in some cases, stop it altogether. Starting treatment early is key to protecting your child’s long-term eye health and reducing the risk of developing high myopia.
At what age does myopia stop progressing in children?
Childhood myopia typically worsens throughout the school years and usually stabilizes by the late teens or early 20s. This is why actively managing the condition during early childhood and puberty is critical.
Can too much TV cause myopia in kids?
Yes, extensive research links excessive screen time with TVs, phones, tablets, and computers to an increased risk of developing myopia. Our eye doctors recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
When should I bring my child for their first eye exam?
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age.
How often should my child have their eyes examined?
Vision testing at an early age ensures your child has the visual skills they need to perform well in school. Bring your child in at age 3 and again just before entering Kindergarten. School aged children should be examined annually or as recommended by your doctor.
What if my child needs glasses?
Our experienced opticians will carefully help you and your child select the perfect glasses. We will explain the lens options for children, how to wear and care for glasses and eye wear warranties.
When can my child wear contact lenses?
Mature children can begin wearing contact lenses between the ages of 8-12. Ask your doctor if contact lenses are right for your child.