In some cases, myopia (nearsightedness) can lead to serious complications, including blindness. Myopia can be progressive, and if it progresses to high myopia, these complications become more likely. Controlling progressive myopia in childhood can reduce the risk for these complications.
Myopia primarily occurs when the eye grows too long during childhood. This causes light entering the eye to come to a focus in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina. The result is blurry distance vision, although close-up vision may remain clear.
Progressive myopia is when the eye continues to grow even longer. This growth can make distance vision worse and worse. People with progressive myopia can eventually develop high myopia (severe myopia).
LEARN MORE: Why myopia progression is a concern
Low myopia does not carry as much risk of developing serious eye problems as high myopia. But the more myopia progresses, the higher the risk may become for developing eye conditions that may include:
- Myopic macular degeneration (MMD)
- Glaucoma
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC)
- Nuclear cataracts
- Retinal detachment (RD)
Each of these conditions can potentially lead to blindness in some cases. People with higher amounts of myopia may have a greater risk for these conditions because of how myopia progression changes the eyes.
As the eyes grow and elongate, the retinas and other tissues can stretch and become thin. These weakened tissues can be more vulnerable to damage and disease. They also may be less able to function properly.
Many people with low or moderate myopia may be able to achieve clear distance vision with methods such as:
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Prescription contact lenses
- Laser eye surgery, like LASIK
However, standard prescription lenses do not stop or slow down myopia progression. This is why vision prescriptions may continue to change over the years. In fact, wearing standard lenses that are not strong enough can make myopia progress even faster.
The good news is that there are other methods available to help slow down myopia progression. Slowing myopia progression can reduce a child's risk for high myopia and its complications. These methods are called myopia control and may include:
- Myopia control eyeglasses
- Myopia control contact lenses
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
- Atropine eye drops
- Ensuring children spend at least 90 minutes in outdoor sunlight every day
- Reducing or limiting screen time on digital devices
- Encouraging children to follow the 20-20-20 rule
Note: While many studies have looked at and eye doctors have used atropine eye drops over the years, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for the indication of myopia control. It is considered off-label use.
Early detection of myopia is key because myopia progression begins in early childhood. The younger a child is when they develop myopia, the more nearsighted they can become. While it is possible to slow the progression of myopia, it is not possible to reverse it.
It is recommended that all children should have comprehensive pediatric eye exams, starting at 6 months old. This is important even if they don’t seem to have vision problems.
If it’s been more than a year since your child’s last eye exam, it is recommended to schedule one today with an eye doctor near you.
