What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly too long from front to back. Light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, producing a blurry image at distance while near vision remains clear. Children with myopia typically see the classroom board poorly while being able to read comfortably at a desk.
Mild myopia is common and manageable with prescription glasses or contact lenses. The concern is not the prescription itself but the rate of progression. A child who develops myopia at age six and progresses rapidly may reach a very high prescription by adulthood, which significantly increases lifetime risk of sight-threatening conditions.
Why Is Myopia Increasing Among Edmonton Children?
- Reduced outdoor time: Studies show children who spend more time outdoors have a significantly lower rate of myopia development. Natural light exposure and use of distance vision outdoors appear to be protective. Edmonton’s long winters, which keep children indoors more than many other climates, are a relevant factor.
- Increased near work: Extended screen time and close digital device use place sustained demand on the accommodation system, which appears to drive elongation of the eyeball in genetically susceptible children.
- Genetics: Children with one myopic parent have a significantly higher risk of developing myopia. Children with two myopic parents have an even higher risk. Earlier screening and monitoring are important for these families.
Signs Your Child’s Myopia Is Progressing
- Prescription changes of more than 0.50 diopters per year at the annual children’s eye exam
- Increased squinting or sitting closer to the TV or classroom board
- Complaints that current glasses are no longer adequate
- Difficulty seeing the board at school despite having a recent prescription
What Is Myopia Control and How Does It Work?
Myopia control refers to clinical interventions designed to slow the rate of myopia progression. The goal is to limit how fast it advances, keeping the final prescription lower and reducing long-term risk. Currently available options include:
- MiSight daily contact lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable lenses designed to slow myopia progression while correcting current vision. Suitable for motivated children from age eight onward.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Rigid contact lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Research shows significant myopia control effects.
- Multifocal spectacle lenses: Specially designed glasses lenses such as the MiyoSmart lens provide myopia control in a spectacle format. A practical option for younger children not ready for contact lenses.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: Applied once daily, atropine drops have strong research support for slowing myopia progression and can be used alone or combined with other interventions.
- Increased outdoor time: Research suggests a minimum of 90 minutes of outdoor time daily is protective. Encourage outdoor activities year-round where Edmonton weather permits.
How Do I Know Which Option Is Right for My Child?
The right approach depends on your child’s age, current prescription, rate of progression, lifestyle, and readiness for contact lenses. A consultation at Eyes On Optometry’s pediatric eye care clinic will walk through the options specific to your child’s situation.
Eyes On Optometry tracks axial length changes over time alongside prescription measurements to give you a complete picture of how your child’s eyes are developing.
Book to School Is the Right Time to Address Myopia
If your child is heading back to school in September and their prescription changed significantly at their last exam, July is the right time to discuss myopia management. Read our guide on back-to-school eye exams in Edmonton for more on timing. You might also check the signs of vision problems in our post on does my child need glasses.
Book a myopia management consultation at Eyes On Optometry in Edmonton and take a proactive step toward protecting your child’s long-term vision.