Myopia is very common in the general population. It affects one in two people (50%). Myopia is a condition in which the eye is longer than normal from front to back, or in which the eye’s cornea (the transparent window in front of the eye) is too steeply curved. This causes things that are far away to appear blurred. Myopia can, in some cases, be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Having myopia can increase your chance of developing certain eye conditions later in life, such as cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment.
Some sources indicate that myopia is becoming more common among children. Although no direct link has been proven, research shows that children who spend more time at home doing close-focus activities (such as computer work, video games and reading) tend to have higher rates of myopia than those who spend more time outdoors.
Doctors are looking for ways to slow the progression of myopia in children. While myopia is irreversible, the aim of treatment is to prevent it from worsening. This can help preserve the child’s eye health in the future, even if they need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
You may be familiar with atropine eye drops. They are used during eye examinations to dilate the pupils of patients. When given to children in small doses for 2 to 3 years, the drops can slow the progression of myopia.
Low-dose atropine for myopia is used in children between the ages of 5 and 18. The drops are instilled in the eye each night before bed. Side effects of atropine drops at low doses may include redness or itching around the eye.
Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses
These special contact lenses are used by myopic children between the ages of 6 and 12. This “multifocal” contact lens has different focal areas. Think of this type of lens as a dartboard with multiple concentric circles. While the centre of the lens corrects blurred distance vision, the outer regions of the lens prevent or blur the child’s peripheral focus. It is thought that blurred peripheral vision slows eye growth and limits myopia.
Peripheral defocus contact lenses may not work in every case. Nevertheless, these lenses appear to help some children, including those whose parents are myopic and those whose myopia is worsening.
As with every contact lens, there is the risk of contracting a corneal infection. To prevent infection, ensure that your child is able to put on, clean and store contact lenses correctly.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology is a contact lens worn overnight to correct a child’s blurred distance vision during the day. Also called ortho-K, the lenses reshape the cornea while you sleep, flattening it. The next day, light passing through the reshaped cornea falls precisely on the retina, making distant images appear sharper.
Wearing ortho-K lenses improves vision only for a short period. When you stop wearing the lens, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape and the myopia returns. Even so, ortho-K may provide some lasting reduction in the progression of myopia.
Steps You and Your Child Can Take Can Help Slow Myopia
Ensure that your child spends more time outdoors. Limit screen time on computers or other digital devices. By balancing screen time and time spent outdoors, you can help to limit your child’s myopia and protect their vision as they grow.
Prepared by the Editorial Board of the Eye Foundation Hospitals.
