If your child’s glasses prescription keeps getting stronger each year, there’s a reason. It’s also more common than many parents realize. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is affecting more children than ever before, and at younger ages. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently projected that nearly half the global population will become nearsighted by 2050.
What’s behind this dramatic rise? Increased screen time, fewer hours spent outside, and too much close-up work are all known contributors to myopia progression in children. Between homework, video games, and digital entertainment, many kids now spend most of their day indoors, with minimal distance viewing and little exposure to natural light.
The good news is that this trend is reversible. At Family Optometry 121, we offer child myopia control strategies to help stabilize your child’s vision and protect their long-term eye health. It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam for kids. And if your child wears lenses, we can talk about next steps at their next contact lens fitting.
What Is Myopia & Why It Matters
Myopia means your child can see nearby objects clearly but struggles to see distant objects, such as the whiteboard or road signs. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
At first, it might mean squinting or sitting closer to the screen. But unchecked myopia can lead to higher prescriptions year after year. That steady increase brings more serious risks. Severe myopia increases your child’s risk of developing future eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even macular degeneration.
Controlling myopia progression is one of the most effective ways to preserve long-term eye health.
Signs Your Child May Be Developing Myopia
If you’re not sure whether your child is struggling with nearsightedness, here are some early warning signs to watch for:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very near their face
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Complaints about blurry vision at school
- Trouble seeing the whiteboard
- Declining performance in class
- Avoiding sports or outdoor activities that require distance vision
If your child shows one or more of these symptoms, it’s time for a full eye exam.
What Causes Myopia Progression?
Several risk factors can cause or worsen myopia in children:
- Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, your child is more likely to develop myopia
- Screen Use: Excessive time on smartphones, tablets, and computers strains the eyes and limits distance viewing
- Lack of Outdoor Time: Natural sunlight and looking at objects far away can help slow eye growth
- Poor Posture and Lighting: Slouching or reading in dim light adds extra strain during near tasks
The combination of these factors can accelerate eye growth. For kids, that means stronger prescriptions every year.
How to Support Your Child’s Vision at Home
The first step toward managing myopia in children is building healthy habits into their daily routine. Here’s what you can do at home:
- Encourage at least 90 minutes of outdoor play each day
- Limit recreational screen time to reduce eye fatigue
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Create an eye-friendly space with good lighting and encourage upright posture
If you’re ready to take action, book a pediatric eye exam with our team in East Harlem or The Bronx. Our bilingual staff will guide you through personalized options and recommend the best plan for your child.
Advanced Myopia Treatments We Offer
At Family Optometry 121, we offer safe, clinically proven options to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-k uses custom-fitted, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Your child takes the lenses out in the morning and enjoys clear vision all day, without needing glasses or daytime contacts.
The key benefit is that these lenses can slow eye growth. Studies show that ortho‑k reduces myopia progression in kids. This makes it an excellent choice for active children or those not ready for daytime contacts.
Low-Dose Atropine Drops
These once-a-day eye drops are another proven tool for managing myopia progression. Children can use low-dose atropine comfortably without it affecting their reading vision. It’s a simple, painless treatment that can help preserve long-term eye health when used consistently.
Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal lenses help focus light more evenly across the retina, reducing signals that tell the eye to grow. These lenses are great for older children who are comfortable handling contacts.
Myopia Progression Monitoring
Our eye doctors use advanced tools to monitor changes in your child’s eye shape and prescription over time. This helps us fine-tune treatment plans and respond quickly to changes.
Every child’s eyes are different. That’s why we tailor every myopia control program to your child’s lifestyle, prescription, and needs. Whether you’re in East Harlem or The Bronx, you’ll get a thoughtful care plan from a team you trust.
Why Choose Family Optometry 121?
Since 2012, we’ve helped NYC families manage their children’s vision. Here's what sets us apart:
- Two convenient locations in East Harlem and The Bronx
- Bilingual staff offering care in English and Spanish
- Personalized, compassionate care for your entire family
- Expertise in both vision correction and long-term eye health
- Access to advanced technologies like ortho‑k and progression tracking
Book a Pediatric Eye Exam in East Harlem or The Bronx
Myopia in children doesn’t have to progress without intervention. With the right tools, lifestyle changes, and expert care, you can protect your child’s eyesight and set them up for a clearer future.
If you're noticing changes in your child’s vision, or you're ready to explore advanced options like orthokeratology for kids or atropine eye drops for myopia, we’re ready to support you.
Schedule your child’s eye exam to explore personalized child myopia control options in New York.