What Can Parents Do to Help Slow Down Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. If your child is struggling to see the board at school or needs to sit close to the TV, they may be developing myopia. As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s eye health, especially when it comes to slowing the progression of myopia.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects are clear. It typically develops in childhood and can worsen as a child grows. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
 

Why Is It Important to Slow Myopia Progression?

It’s not just about needing stronger glasses every year. Progressive myopia can increase your child’s risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even myopic maculopathy. The higher the degree of myopia, the greater the risk of these complications. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps parents can take to help slow down myopia progression in children.
 

Schedule Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Early detection is key. Comprehensive pediatric eye exams can catch myopia in its earliest stages - often before your child notices any vision problems. The sooner myopia is detected, the more effectively it can be managed.
 

We recommend scheduling your child’s first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, again at age 3, before starting school, and then every year after that. If you notice your child squinting, sitting close to screens, or complaining of headaches or blurry vision, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
 

Limit Screen Time

Extended time spent on phones, tablets, computers, and even reading can contribute to myopia progression. Encourage regular breaks and set boundaries around screen time. The “20-20-20 rule” is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
 

Encourage More Outdoor Time

Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia. Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity every day. Natural light and focusing on objects at varying distances help protect developing eyes.
 

Consider Myopia Control Treatments

There are proven options to help slow down myopia progression in children:
 

•          Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea.

•          Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops used nightly to slow myopia progression.

•          MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses: Daily disposable lenses clinically proven to slow myopia in children.

Your optometrist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your child’s needs and lifestyle.
 

Supporting Families in San Ramon, California

At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we’re dedicated to helping families in San Ramon and surrounding areas protect and preserve their children’s vision. Our pediatric eye care services and myopia management options are tailored to give your child the best start for a lifetime of healthy sight.
 

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria to explore myopia management options. Visit our office in San Ramon, California, or call (925) 744-7900 to book an appointment today.