Myopia in children: Is your child at risk?

Myopia in kids

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a very common refractive error that causes blurry distance vision. Myopia usually begins in childhood, but it can get worse each year until adulthood. Some of the risk factors for developing myopia as a child include genetics, lifestyle and vision habits. 

Nearsightedness can usually be corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, these standard lenses don’t do anything to slow myopia progression. 

Standard single-vision corrective lenses are not effective in controlling myopia progression. Actually, progression is even more likely if the lens prescriptions are too weak or if they are under-prescribed. 

Myopia progression means that the blurry vision keeps getting worse. It can lead to high myopia (severe myopia), especially if it's not addressed in childhood. High myopia is a concern because it can lead to even more serious vision conditions in adulthood, including blindness. 

It's important to diagnose myopia in early childhood. If it is detected early enough, myopia control strategies can be used to slow progression and avoid high myopia. And not all kids will have obvious symptoms of myopia. This is one reason why regular pediatric eye exams are critical for all kids.