Myopia, or short-sightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions in children, and its prevalence is rising worldwide. It makes distant objects difficult to see clearly, while near vision often stays unaffected. Left unmanaged, myopia tends to progress, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy.
Myopia management is the approach we use to slow that progression. This guide explains what it is, how it works and when to start, so you can make an informed decision for your child.
At Adelaide City Optometrist, our optometrists have a special interest in children’s vision and myopia management, providing tailored solutions to slow the progression of myopia and give your child the best chance of lifelong eye health.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, or the cornea becomes overly curved. These structural changes cause light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors such as increased screen time, prolonged near work and reduced outdoor time are contributing to rising rates.
Without intervention, myopia can worsen through childhood and adolescence as the eye continues to grow. Early detection and treatment are key to slowing progression and minimising long-term complications.
Children do not always recognise or report vision problems, so it helps for parents to watch for:
If your child shows any of these signs, it is time for a comprehensive eye exam. You can read more in our guide to the 5 signs of myopia in children.
We conduct detailed eye exams to assess your child’s vision and eye health. Our examinations include:
This thorough approach lets us create a myopia management plan suited to your child.
Managing myopia is more than correcting vision with standard glasses or contact lenses. The focus is on slowing progression to reduce the risks that come with a high prescription. The main options are:
Myopia control contact lenses
Specialised daily disposable lenses, such as MiSight and ACUVUE Abiliti, correct blurry vision while also slowing the elongation of the eyeball. They are comfortable and designed specifically for children.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Rigid lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, giving clear vision through the day without glasses, while slowing progression. Particularly popular with active children and those who play sport.
Myopia control spectacle lenses
Lenses such as HOYA MiYOSMART look like ordinary glasses but are designed to slow eye growth.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
A nightly drop shown to slow the rate of eye growth. Easy to administer and suitable for a range of ages.
Everyday habits that help
Alongside treatment, spending around two hours a day outdoors, taking regular breaks from near work with the 20-20-20 rule, and keeping good posture and lighting all support your child’s eyes. There is more on this in our guide to how to slow myopia in children.
Myopia often begins between the ages of 6 and 14, while the eye is still growing, which is exactly when treatment has the greatest effect. The earlier progression is slowed, the lower your child’s final prescription is likely to be, and the lower their long-term risk of eye disease. If your child’s prescription has increased at recent visits, it is worth acting rather than waiting.
