Myopia Control and Children's Eyes
How can worsening short sightedness be slowed?
Myopia control aims to slow how quickly a child's short sightedness increases, so the eye reaches a lower final prescription. Options include orthokeratology contact lenses worn overnight, specially designed spectacle and soft contact lenses, low dose atropine eye drops and repeated low level red light therapy. No method stops progression completely.
The approaches used
- Orthokeratology, rigid lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the front of the eye, giving clear daytime vision without glasses and slowing progression
- Repeated low level red light therapy, a short treatment performed at home or in clinic on a set schedule with review appointments
- Spectacle and soft contact lenses designed with a treatment zone to alter how light focuses on the peripheral retina
- Low dose atropine eye drops used nightly, prescribed and monitored by an ophthalmologist
How progress is monitored
Success is measured by the rate of change rather than by a single reading. Refraction is measured, with dilating drops where appropriate, and the length of the eye is tracked where measurement is available. Reviews are usually every six months, and the plan is adjusted if progression continues quickly.
What to expect
Myopia control slows progression rather than preventing or reversing it, and the degree of benefit varies between children. Most children continue to need glasses. Treatment usually runs for several years, through the period of growth, and is stopped in a planned way with review afterwards.
Each option has requirements and risks. Overnight lenses demand careful hygiene, and a red, painful or blurred eye in a lens wearer needs same day assessment. Atropine can cause light sensitivity and reduced near focus. These are discussed fully before starting.
Choosing an option
The right choice depends on your child's age, prescription, rate of progression, daily activities and how comfortably they and you can manage the routine. Standard Eye Specialist Hospital offers orthokeratology and red light therapy, and the clinician will explain which is suitable and what the monitoring schedule involves.
When to seek urgent assessment
- In a contact lens wearer, a red, painful, watering or light sensitive eye, or blurred vision, which needs same day assessment
- A sudden increase in floaters, flashes or a shadow in the vision, which needs urgent assessment in a highly short sighted eye
Frequently asked questions
- At what age can myopia control start?
- It is usually considered once progression is documented, commonly from around seven or eight years, but the decision depends on the individual child rather than on age alone.
- What happens when treatment stops?
- Progression may resume, particularly if the child is still growing, so stopping is planned and followed by review rather than done abruptly.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.