Guide
Children's vision and myopia control
When children should have eye exams, the signs of a vision problem, and the proven ways to slow nearsightedness in children.
Why children need full eye exams
Children rarely complain about vision, because they assume everyone sees the way they do. School and pediatric vision screenings are useful but miss many problems, such as farsightedness, astigmatism and early amblyopia. A comprehensive exam checks each eye, focusing, alignment and eye health.
Signs your child may have a vision problem
- Squinting, rubbing eyes or tilting the head
- Sitting close to the TV or holding devices very close
- Covering or closing one eye
- An eye that turns in, out, up or down
- Headaches, or avoiding reading and close work
- A white or unusual reflection in the pupil in photos (see a doctor promptly)
Myopia is rising, and it can be slowed
Nearsightedness usually begins at school age and worsens as the eye grows. Slowing it matters, because high myopia in adulthood raises the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic macular degeneration.
Habits that help
- About two hours outdoors every day
- Breaks from close work: the 20-20-20 rule
- Books and screens at least 30 cm from the eyes, in good light
Treatments eye doctors use
| Treatment | What it is |
|---|---|
| Low-dose atropine drops | Nightly drops shown to slow progression |
| Myopia-control glasses | Special lens designs that correct vision while sending a myopia-slowing signal |
| Myopia-control soft contacts | Daily lenses designed for children |
| Orthokeratology | Rigid lenses worn overnight that reshape the cornea temporarily |
Ask your eye doctor which option suits your child’s age, prescription and lifestyle. Results are best when treatment starts early.
Protect young eyes
Use polycarbonate lenses and sports goggles for ball and racquet sports, sunglasses outdoors, and age-appropriate toys without sharp or projectile parts.
Watch
Questions people ask
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association advises a first comprehensive exam between 6 and 12 months, at least one between 3 and 5 years, one before first grade and yearly after that.
Do glasses make myopia worse?
No. Wearing a correct prescription does not make myopia progress faster. Under-correcting may even be worse.