Is Myopia Control Effective? What Parents Need to Know About Nearsightedness in Children

As a parent, ensuring your child’s health and well-being is a top priority, and that includes their vision. With the increasing prevalence of nearsightedness, or myopia, in children, understanding what it is, why it’s important to manage, and how effective myopia control can be is essential.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

This condition is often diagnosed during childhood and tends to progress as children grow. Left unmanaged, high levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Kids

Recognizing the signs of myopia early can help you take action to protect your child’s vision. Children with myopia may frequently squint or struggle to see distant objects clearly, such as the whiteboard at school or street signs. They might also complain of headaches or eye strain, especially after trying to focus on faraway objects for extended periods. Holding books, tablets, or other devices unusually close to their face is another common indicator.

Regular pediatric eye exams are crucial for early detection of myopia, ensuring timely intervention to safeguard your child’s eye health and overall development.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to a range of treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Unlike traditional corrective eyewear that simply improves vision, myopia control targets the underlying progression of the condition.

Common myopia control methods include:

•          Specialized contact lenses like orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses and multifocal soft contact lenses.

•          Prescription eye drops such as low-dose atropine.

•          Behavioral changes like encouraging outdoor time and limiting excessive screen use.

Managing myopia is crucial not only for improving your child’s vision now but also for reducing the risk of vision-threatening complications later in life.

Is Myopia Control Effective?

Yes, research has shown that myopia control methods are effective in slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. The effectiveness of these treatments depends on the approach used and the child’s individual response, but studies consistently demonstrate significant reductions in the rate of myopia progression.

•          Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Studies show that Ortho-K lenses can slow eye elongation (a key factor in myopia progression) by up to 50%.

•          Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops have been shown to slow myopia progression by as much as 60–70%.

•          Multifocal Lenses: Specialized contact lenses and glasses can reduce myopia progression by 30–50%.

•          Lifestyle Adjustments: Increasing time spent outdoors can help delay the onset of myopia and reduce its progression.

While no treatment can completely stop myopia from progressing, combining these approaches under the guidance of an eye doctor can effectively manage the condition.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Eyes of San Antonio Today

Myopia is more than just a vision concern—it’s a progressive condition that can impact your child’s eye health long-term. With effective myopia control methods, you can take proactive steps to slow its progression and protect your child’s vision. From specialized lenses to prescription eye drops and lifestyle adjustments, myopia control offers a range of proven strategies tailored to your child’s needs. At Eyes of San Antonio, we’re here to partner with you in safeguarding your child’s eye health.

Schedule an eye exam with Eyes of San Antonio to explore how myopia control can set your child on the path to a future of clear vision and healthy eyes. Visit our office in San Antonio, Texas, or call (210) 366-1021 to book an appointment today.