In our world of digital devices, more and more children are developing myopia (nearsightedness). Left unmanaged, this condition increases the risk of serious eye-related health problems later in life.
Fortunately, myopia glasses can help. These eyeglasses use specially designed lenses that cause light to focus on the eye in a way that slows myopia progression in children.
Protect your child’s vision by booking them regular eye exams, and support their future eye health by identifying—and treating!—myopia early. At Westmount Optometry we can recommend a myopia management approach that’s tailored to your child’s needs.
Understanding Myopia
Understanding Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects look blurry, but nearby objects remain clear. It happens when the eye grows too long or its optical components focus light in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia often develops in childhood and can progress rapidly if not managed. When myopia becomes severe, known as high myopia, it increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Early intervention is important. Studies show that starting myopia control at a young age can help slow its progression and lower the risk of future vision problems. One effective approach includes wearing specially designed glasses that help control how the eye focuses light.
Who May Need Myopia Control
Some children are more likely to develop worsening myopia as they grow. Factors that increase this risk include having a family history of nearsightedness, or spending long hours doing close-up activities like reading or using digital screens.
Children at higher risk can benefit from proven treatment options that help slow myopia progression. Since high levels of myopia can raise the risk of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and damage to the back of the eye, managing myopia early is an important step in protecting your child’s long-term eye health.
Benefits of Myopia Control
Managing myopia early does more than just help your child see more clearly today, it can slow down how quickly their nearsightedness worsens as they grow. Slowing progression can mean fewer prescription changes and a lower chance of developing high levels of myopia, which can raise the risk of eye diseases later in life.
Seeing an optometrist for a personalized myopia control plan can help protect your child’s vision now and support their long-term eye health.
How Myopia Control Glasses Work
Myopia control glasses use specially designed lenses to reduce eye strain and help slow the progression of myopia. These lenses include features like peripheral defocus, which redirects light to limit the eye’s tendency to grow longer—a main factor in worsening myopia.
They look and feel just like regular glasses and still provide clear, comfortable vision for daily activities when worn consistently.
Other Options for Myopia Control
Beyond glasses, here are a few other common options for myopia control:
Contact Lenses
Multifocal or dual-focus contact lenses work similarly to myopia control glasses. They help redirect peripheral light and reduce the eye’s tendency to lengthen.
These lenses are usually recommended for older children and teenagers who can handle daily contact lens care. Daily disposable lenses add convenience and help lower the risk of infection.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are rigid contacts worn overnight. While your child sleeps, they gently reshape the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea). This provides clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts and can help slow down myopia progression. Proper fitting and regular check-ups are important to keep this option safe and effective.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are used once daily to help slow the growth of the eye, which can help control myopia in children. These drops are generally well tolerated, but regular monitoring by your optometrist is needed to make sure they are working as intended.
Every child is different. Myopia control options depend on age, eye health, and daily routine. Talk to your optometrist to find the safest and most effective plan for your child’s needs.
Clear Vision Starts with Smart Choices
Myopia control glasses are one of several effective ways to help manage nearsightedness in children and support healthy vision for years to come. Whether your child is just starting to show signs of myopia or already wears glasses, it’s never too early to discuss myopia management with a trusted eye care professional.
At Westmount Optometrists and Glencoe Optometrists, our friendly team is here to answer your questions and recommend the right solution for your child’s unique needs. From specialized lenses to other proven treatments, your optometrist will help you choose a path forward for your family.
Book an appointment today for your child’s next eye exam and to learn more about myopia control. You can start taking a step toward protecting your child’s lifelong eye health today.
