What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness, is a vision condition where close objects can
be seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Myopia in Kids happens when the shape of the eye
causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can be due to the
eyeball being too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) being too curved.
Myopia often develops in childhood and may gradually worsen with age, especially during
school years when children spend more time reading or using digital devices.
Symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects, frequent squinting, and eye strain. It can usually be
corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, and early detection through
Regular eye exams is important to manage its progression.
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common refractive error where nearby objects
appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. This happens when the shape of the eye causes
light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
- In a healthy eye, Light is focused correctly on the retina, resulting in clear vision.
- In a myopic eye: The eyeball may be longer, or the cornea too steep, causing
distant vision to appear blurry.
Myopia in Kids:
Myopia in Kids is a common eye condition where children can see nearby objects clearly
but struggle to see things far away, like the board in a classroom. It happens when the eye
grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead
of directly on it.
Children with myopia may squint, sit very close to screens, or complain of headaches and
eye strain. Since myopia often begins in school-age years, regular eye check-ups are
important. With early detection, it can be managed using glasses, contact lenses, or
treatments that slow down its progression, helping kids see better and avoid long-term vision
problems.
Myopia in kids is becoming increasingly common worldwide, partly due to lifestyle changes
such as spending long hours on digital devices, reading up close, and limited outdoor
activities. Studies show that natural sunlight and time spent outdoors can help reduce the
risk of developing myopia, while excessive screen time and near work may accelerate its
progression.
If left unmanaged, childhood myopia can worsen as the child grows, increasing the risk of
serious eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or early cataracts.
That’s why early diagnosis, regular eye exams, and preventive measures like special
Myopia-control lenses or eye drops are essential to protect children’s vision and overall eye health.
Types of Myopia:
Not all cases of myopia are the same. Some are mild and manageable, while others can be
more serious:
- Simple Myopia: The most common type, often beginning in childhood or
adolescence. - Degenerative Myopia: Severe and progressive, often leading to significant vision
problems. - Pathological Myopia: A degenerative form linked with other eye diseases like
cataracts or retinal detachment.
Most Common Causes of Myopia:
Causes of Myopia in Kids mainly include a mix of genetics and lifestyle factors. If one or
both parents have myopia, the chances of a child developing it are much higher, showing a
strong hereditary link. The physical cause happens when the child’s eyeball grows longer
than normal or the cornea is too curved, which causes light to focus in front of the retina
rather than directly on it.
In addition to genetics, environmental and lifestyle habits also play a big role. Spending
long hours on near tasks like reading, writing, or using digital devices increases eye strain.
Limited time outdoors and reduced exposure to natural sunlight have also been linked to a higher risk of myopia in kids. These combined factors explain why myopia is becoming more common among children worldwide.
Caring for Your Child’s Eye Health:
As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is safeguarding our child’s overall
health—and eye health is a critical part of that journey. Myopia (near-sightedness) has
become an increasing concern worldwide, already affecting over 34% of children, with
numbers expected to rise further. If left untreated, it can cause serious vision problems that
may impact academic performance, daily activities, and long-term eye health.
Early detection and timely treatment play a key role in controlling myopia. In EDO Eye
Hospital in Wah Cantt, Islamabad, our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists
specialize in diagnosing and managing myopia in children. With modern technology and
personalized care, we aim to help families take charge of their child’s eye health. In this
article, you’ll learn about the causes, early warning signs, and treatment options for myopia.
How we Treat here in EDO Eye Hospital:
EDO Eye Hospital can help children with myopia through early detection, accurate
diagnosis, and effective treatment options. With regular eye check-ups and advanced
diagnostic equipment, the hospital ensures that myopia is identified at the earliest stage,
preventing it from worsening. Their team of experienced eye specialists provides customized
solutions such as prescription glasses, contact lenses, and advanced myopia-control
treatments tailored to each child’s needs.
Beyond treatment, EDO Eye Hospital also guides parents and children on lifestyle changes
that can slow down the progression of myopia, such as limiting screen time and encouraging
outdoor activities. With a focus on long-term eye health, the hospital offers comprehensive
care and continuous monitoring to help children maintain clear vision and avoid
complications in the future.
- Corrective Eyewear (Glasses or Contact Lenses)
- The most common and non-invasive treatment.
- Glasses or soft contact lenses help refocus light onto the retina for clear vision.
- They need regular updates as the child’s eyes grow.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Special rigid contact lenses worn overnight reshape the cornea.
- Provides clear daytime vision without glasses or lenses.
Effects are temporary (lasts about 24 hours) but safe and effective for children.
- Atropine Eye Drops:
Low-dose atropine drops (0.01%–0.05%) have been shown to slow the progression
of myopia.
- Typically prescribed for children who show rapid progression.
- Requires medical supervision to avoid side effects.
4. Increased Outdoor Time & Lifestyle Changes
- Spending more time outdoors (at least 1–2 hours daily) reduces the risk and slows
myopia progression. - Limiting prolonged screen time, reading breaks (20-20-20 rule), and balanced lighting
conditions are also helpful. - Refractive Surgery (for Severe or Older Cases)
- In teenagers (usually 16+), surgical options like LASIK or PRK may be considered.
- Provides permanent correction but is usually reserved for severe cases or when other
treatments aren’t effective.
Conclusion:
Myopia in kids is no longer a rare condition—it has become one of the most common vision
problems among children worldwide, largely due to increased screen use, reduced outdoor
activity, and genetic factors. If left unmanaged, childhood myopia can progress quickly,
raising the risk of severe eye complications later in life such as retinal detachment,
glaucoma, or early cataracts. This is why early awareness, regular eye check-ups, and
timely intervention are essential steps for every parent who wants to safeguard their child’s
eye health.
At EDO Eye Hospital in Wah Cantt, Islamabad, we understand the growing concern of
myopia in kids and provide advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and
ongoing care to help children maintain clear and healthy vision. From corrective eyewear to
modern options like Ortho-K lenses and atropine drops, along with lifestyle guidance, our
goal is to manage myopia effectively and reduce its long-term impact. Protecting children’s
eyesight today ensures not only their academic success but also a brighter and healthier
future.