Myopia management
for children
Slowing the progression of short-sightedness.
Is your child's minus prescription increasing? Myopia management involves examining and monitoring short-sightedness. We discuss the options for slowing its progression.
View the explanation
What is myopia management?
In short-sightedness, light from distant objects focuses in front of the retina. Short-sightedness may increase as the eye grows longer.
Ordinary glasses correct vision. Myopia management also aims to slow further progression. The most suitable approach varies between children.
What changes inside the eye?
Simplified cross-section of the eye
The retina moves backwards as the eye grows longer
Example of distance vision
Illustration of blurred vision;
vision varies between children.
As a short-sighted eye becomes longer, the retina moves further behind the focal point. Distance vision may become less clear as a result.
Schematic and not to scale. The growth shown is not a measurement, prediction or treatment result. An eye that has grown longer does not become shorter.
What treatments are available?
Age, prescription, the progression of short-sightedness and daily habits help guide the choice. We discuss the options below alongside the examination results.
Specialist spectacle lenses
Spectacle lenses for myopia management combine clear vision with a special optical design to slow increasing short-sightedness. These are different from ordinary single-vision glasses.
The right design, a good fit and consistent wear are important.
Myopia management contact lenses
These lenses have different optical zones. They correct vision and may slow the progression of short-sightedness.
Suitability also depends on careful insertion, removal and care, with parental support.
Overnight lenses
Overnight lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea so your child can see during the day without glasses or contact lenses. They may also slow further eye growth.
Precise fitting, good hygiene and check-ups are necessary. Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of a corneal infection.
Atropine eye drops
Atropine can slow the progression of short-sightedness. The ophthalmologist assesses whether it is suitable and chooses the concentration and treatment duration.
Light sensitivity and difficulty with near vision may occur. Glasses or contact lenses may still be needed for clear vision.
Playing outdoors and
visual breaks
Good visual habits are part of our advice. They do not replace examination or treatment.
After about 20 minutes of near work, take a break. This applies to both reading and screens.
Then look into the distance for at least 20 seconds.
Aim for 2 hours outdoors each day, in daylight. Try to make this part of the daily routine.
How do we monitor short-sightedness?
We discuss what your child notices, previous prescriptions and family history. Depending on the situation, further examination by an optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist may be needed.
Repeated measurements reveal changes. Both the glasses prescription and eye length can be monitored. Check-ups are tailored to your child and the chosen treatment.
Results vary between children. Myopia management does not shorten an eye that has grown longer and does not guarantee that short-sightedness will stop progressing.
Read about our approachQuestions about your child's vision?
Book an appointment to discuss symptoms, measurements and options.