Is Your Child Becoming More Nearsighted Each Year?

If your child needs stronger glasses nearly every year, you’re not alone. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, has become increasingly common among children worldwide. In fact, eye care professionals are seeing more children develop myopia at younger ages and experience faster progression than previous generations.

While glasses and contact lenses can help children see clearly, many parents are surprised to learn that standard vision correction does not actually slow the progression of myopia. Fortunately, modern myopia management treatments can help slow the eye’s growth and reduce the rate at which nearsightedness worsens.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the front surface of the eye is too curved. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Children with myopia may notice:

• Difficulty seeing the classroom whiteboard
• Squinting when looking at distant objects
• Sitting closer to screens or televisions
• Complaints about blurry distance vision
• Frequent prescription changes

Because myopia usually develops during childhood, it often progresses as children continue to grow.

What Causes Myopia?

There is no single cause of myopia. Instead, researchers believe both genetics and environmental factors contribute to its development.

Genetics

Children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Genetics influence how the eye grows and may increase a child’s susceptibility to myopia progression.

Increased Near Work

Modern lifestyles involve significantly more near-focused activities than previous generations. Reading, homework, tablets, smartphones, video games, and computers all require the eyes to focus at close distances for extended periods.

While near work alone doesn’t guarantee a child will become nearsighted, studies suggest prolonged close-up viewing may contribute to myopia development and progression in susceptible children.

Less Time Outdoors

Research has also shown that children who spend more time outdoors tend to have lower rates of myopia. Natural outdoor light and opportunities to focus on distant objects may play an important role in healthy eye development.

The combination of increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity is believed to be one reason myopia has become so common in children today.

Why Is Myopia Progression Important?

Most parents think of myopia simply as a need for stronger glasses. However, myopia progression is actually caused by excessive growth of the eye itself.

As the eye becomes longer, the glasses prescription increases. Higher levels of myopia are associated with a greater risk of certain eye health complications later in life such as retina detachment or glaucoma.

This is why today’s approach focuses not only on improving vision but also on slowing the underlying progression of myopia.

How Do Eye Doctors Measure Myopia Progression?

Traditionally, eye doctors monitored myopia by comparing prescription changes from year to year. While this is still important, modern myopia management goes one step further.

At Town Eyecare, we use axial length measurements to monitor how the eye is growing over time.

Axial length is the distance from the front of the eye to the back of the eye. Since myopia progresses when the eye becomes longer, measuring axial length allows us to track eye growth directly and assess whether treatment is helping slow progression.

By combining prescription measurements with axial length monitoring, we can make more informed decisions about a child’s treatment plan.

What Are the Treatment Options for Myopia Control?

Several effective treatment options are available to help slow myopia progression.

Stellest® Lenses

Stellest lenses look similar to traditional eyeglasses but are designed specifically for myopia management. In addition to providing clear vision, they use advanced lens technology to create signals that help slow excessive eye growth. Since these lenses are now FDA approved both Eyemed and VSP insurance can now be used towards the cost of the lenses. This helps to offset a significant portion of the cost.

These lenses are an excellent option for children who prefer glasses.

MiSight® Contact Lenses

MiSight daily disposable contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control in children. They provide clear vision while helping reduce the progression of nearsightedness. MiSight contacts are also FDA approved to treat myopia. The good news is that Vision Insurance benefits can also be used towards the purchase of these contacts!

Many children adapt quickly to contact lenses and appreciate the freedom they provide for sports and daily activities.

Low-Dose Atropine

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another option that may help slow myopia progression in some children. These drops are typically used each evening as part of a personalized treatment plan. However, while using Atropine for myopia control has been approved in Europe, it has not been FDA approved in the United States. Using low dose Atropine comes at a higher cost and must be used in conjunction with compounding pharmacies as the medication is not manufactured or sold at standard pharmacies and is generally not covered by any insurance at this time. Atropine usage also can come with some side affects so it may not be a recommended treatment plan for everyone.

Customized Treatment Planning

Every child’s eyes are different and myopia management does require extra exams throughout the year depending on treatment decisions. The most effective treatment depends on factors such as:

• Age
• Prescription
• Rate of progression
• Eye growth measurements
• Lifestyle and activities
• Comfort with glasses or contact lenses

When Should Myopia Control Begin?

The best time to begin myopia management is often as soon as progression is identified.

Early intervention often provides the greatest opportunity to influence eye growth before higher levels of myopia develop. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important for children.

Learn More About Myopia Control

If your child’s prescription has been increasing year after year, it may be time to consider a myopia management evaluation.

At Town Eyecare, we provide comprehensive myopia care that includes advanced axial length measurements and personalized treatment recommendations designed to help protect your child’s long-term vision.

Learn more about our Myopia Control Program and available treatment options by visiting our Myopia Control page.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Town Eyecare to determine whether myopia management is right for your child.