[Myopia in Children] What should you do if a child is short-sighted? Learn the causes and 4 control methods

As electronic devices have become increasingly prevalent, more and more children have developed myopia in recent years and need to wear glasses. According to data from the Department of Health in Hong Kong, about 18% of 6-year-old children are affected by myopia, and by the age of 12, this proportion rises sharply to about 62%, meaning that more than half of children become bespectacled. Although myopia is very common, this situation still worries many parents. In view of this, 10Life will explain the causes of myopia in children and provide four control methods for reference.

Family history

Medical professionals have found that myopia has a certain degree of heredity. A child’s eyeball length is influenced by genetics, and eyeball length is closely related to the severity of myopia. Findings from a population screening programme show that the more severe the parents’ myopia, the greater the likelihood that their children will develop myopia, with the risk rate reaching as high as 11.89 times. In addition, a study in Australia also found that parents’ degree of myopia affects the risk of their children developing myopia. Compared with children whose parents do not have myopia, the risk of myopia is approximately 6 times, 10 times and 22 times higher for children with at least one parent who has mild, moderate or severe myopia respectively.

Reading at close range

Prolonged close-range activities, such as reading books at close distance, may affect eyesight. In addition, poor eye-use habits may also lead to refractive errors, meaning that unaided vision does not meet normal standards. According to an Australian study, children who read at close range (less than 30 cm) are 2.5 times more likely to develop myopia than children who read at a distance of 30 cm or more.

Using electronic devices improperly for long periods

Electronic devices have become essential in daily life, and children are gaining access to smartphones, tablets and similar devices at younger and younger ages. Prolonged and excessive use of these devices, especially at close range, can cause eye discomfort such as eye pain, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision and even double vision, as well as other eye- and vision-related problems. It may also lead to myopia.
 

High myopia is closely associated with eye diseases. According to some studies, people with high myopia are also more likely than the general population to develop macular disease, cataracts and glaucoma. In addition, 20% to 30% of retinal detachment cases are caused by high myopia. Parents should therefore not overlook this issue and should take effective measures promptly to prevent children’s myopia from worsening.

Children’s myopia is caused by the eyeball being too long from front to back, which prevents light from focusing on the retina to form a clear image. The focal point of distant objects can only be projected in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred image. Once a child’s myopia worsens, it is generally not possible to fully restore vision to a non-myopic state, but certain measures can be taken to help control further progression of myopia.

Many parents want to know how to control the rate at which myopia worsens in children. Below are four myopia control methods that parents can discuss with a doctor or optometrist to determine which is most suitable for their child.

Optical myopia control lenses

Optical myopia control lenses use advanced scientific principles and a specific optical design to correct vision and control the progression of myopia. These lenses consist of two main areas: a central zone for vision correction, ensuring clear central vision for the wearer; and a peripheral zone with a myopic defocus area. After light passes through this area, it creates a myopic defocus effect on the retina, effectively slowing myopia progression. Optical myopia control lenses are worn in the same way as ordinary myopia glasses. Children simply wear them as they normally would, and can effectively slow the progression of myopia.

Orthokeratology OK lenses

Orthokeratology contact lenses, also known as “OK lenses”, are a special type of contact lens. Through the pressure of the lenses, they reshape the curvature of the cornea and adjust the refractive power, thereby slowing myopia progression. These OK lenses only need to be worn during sleep, and clear vision can be achieved during the day without wearing them, making them suitable for active children. However, it is worth noting that once wearing them is stopped, the myopia prescription may return to its original state. Therefore, long-term wear is necessary to achieve the corrective effect.

Daytime myopia control contact lenses

Technology is advancing rapidly, and there are now contact lenses suitable for children that can both correct vision and control the progression of myopia. For example, MiSight® daily disposable contact lenses use the breakthrough ActivControl® Technology. They are the world’s only soft contact lenses certified by the US FDA, and have been proven to effectively slow myopia progression when used from the age of 8 to 12. Studies have shown that they can reduce the rate of myopia progression by around 50%, and most children do not need to wear glasses with a higher prescription at their next annual eye examination.

Atropine eye drops

Atropine eye drops are one of the common methods used to control myopia in children. They only need to be used daily to effectively slow myopia progression. However, high-concentration atropine has certain side effects, such as dilated pupils, causing children to be sensitive to light and experience blurred near vision, so it may not be suitable for children. In recent years, studies have shown that low-concentration atropine (0.01% and 0.05%) can also effectively control myopia, with milder side effects, making it safe for children to use. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, low-concentration atropine at 0.05% can reduce myopia progression by as much as 67%.
 

In addition, aside from the methods above, the most direct and effective approach is to encourage children to spend more time outdoors. Why not take them hiking in the countryside or to the seaside to enjoy some sunshine at the weekend, allowing their eyes to relax a little?

Besides myopia, children inevitably encounter other illnesses during their growth. Want to provide better protection for your child? You may wish to refer to 10Life’s articles on children’s insurance, preschool children’s insurance premiums and coverage, or use the Product Decoder to compare different insurance plans at a preliminary stage.
 

Source: Department of Health Student Health Service, Department of Health publication, Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, Report of the “Consultative Group on the Impact of Internet and Electronic Screen Products on Health”, Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists, CooperVision. MiSight®, Hima Eye Centre

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.