Childhood nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide.

If your child struggles to see distant objects clearly but sees well up close, myopia may be the cause.

Understanding childhood myopia is important because it affects more than just vision—it can also influence long-term eye health.

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back.

As the eye elongates, light focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry.

Children with myopia often experience:

• Blurry distance vision
• Difficulty seeing classroom boards
• Squinting
• Sitting closer to screens
• Frequent prescription changes

Researchers believe several factors contribute:

Genetics

Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia.

Increased Near Work

Extended periods of reading, tablet use, and smartphone use may contribute to myopia development.

Reduced Outdoor Time

Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors may help reduce the risk of developing myopia.

For many years, myopia was viewed simply as a need for glasses.

Today, we know that higher levels of myopia increase the risk of:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic macular degeneration

This is why many eye care professionals focus on slowing myopia progression during childhood.

Myopia management refers to treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness.

Options may include:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while sleeping.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine therapy may help slow progression in some children.

Stellest® Lenses

Specialized spectacle lenses designed for myopia control.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses that may help reduce progression.

Children may benefit from treatment if they:

• Have progressive myopia
• Need stronger glasses every year
• Have a family history of high myopia
• Were diagnosed at a young age

At EYE Invision, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye care and myopia management for children throughout Central Florida.

Our goal is not only to improve vision today but to help protect eye health for the future.

What is childhood nearsightedness?

Childhood nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye grows longer than normal.

How do I know if my child is nearsighted?

A nearsighted child may squint, sit closer to screens, struggle to see classroom boards, or complain of blurry distance vision.

Why can’t my child see far away?

Difficulty seeing distant objects is one of the hallmark signs of myopia and should be evaluated by an eye doctor.

What is myopia progression?

Myopia progression refers to a child’s prescription becoming more nearsighted over time as the eye continues to grow.

What is progressive myopia?

Progressive myopia occurs when nearsightedness continues to worsen throughout childhood and adolescence.

Can myopia be slowed down?

Yes. Treatments such as Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine eye drops, Stellest® lenses, and multifocal contact lenses may help slow progression in many children.

• My Child Failed a School Vision Screening
• Pediatric Eye Care
• Why Is My Child Sitting So Close to the TV? (coming soon)
• What to do if my child failed the school vision exam? (coming soon)
• Is My Child’s Prescription Getting Worse Every Year?
• Myopia Management
• Signs your child may need glasses