Myopia rates in kids are skyrocketing. Here’s how to protect your child’s vision.
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is on the rise—especially in kids. It’s no longer just about needing glasses. High myopia increases the lifetime risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, degeneration and glaucoma.
Why the Spike?
- Increased screen time and near work
- Less outdoor time
- Genetics (if one or both parents are myopic, the risk is higher)
Warning Signs
- Squinting to see far away
- Sitting too close to screens
- Complaints of blurry distance vision
- Frequent prescription changes
Myopia Management Options
- Atropine eye drops (low dose, safe for kids)
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight
- MiSight Soft Contact lenses (first FDA-approved soft contact lenses for slowing myopia in children) – Lifestyle changes: at least 90 minutes of outdoor time daily
The earlier we detect myopia, the better we can slow its progression. That means we want to screen young kids as early as 3 years old. Schedule your child’s yearly eye exam with one of the doctors at Monarch Bay Optometry, Dana Point —- even if they are not complaining.
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