Proactively discuss with your doctor if axial growth exceeds 0.1-0.2mm per year and/or if the refractive error changes by more than 0.25 D per year. However, depending on factors such as race, age, gender, and others, your child's nearsightedness may still be well managed.
Myopia in children
Parents of children with nearsightedness can help manage their condition by dialing up some good lifestyle changes in spring.
Controlling nearsightedness is crucial due to myopia’s potential long-term consequences, including myopic macular degeneration (MMD). Start early.
Practical digital tools to effectively manage nearsightedness leveraging audiobooks, mobile phone apps, or smart home assistants. Monitor screen time and distance using Apple device’s health features.
Remove and stop wearing contact lenses if your child has pink eye. Contact the eye doctor if symptoms persist in case of infection. Keep backup glasses on hand.
Explore options to stop or slow nearsightedness (2023 US perspective): atropine, soft contact lenses, overnight lenses, and glasses. Take action promptly and adhere to treatment.
A multifocal contact lens has multiple prescription strengths within a single lens, helping people with presbyopia to see clearly or slow down the worsening of myopia in children.
The U.S. FDA recommends “always removing contact lenses before swimming.” For clear vision at the pool, consider using prescription goggles.
The Libby app provides access to free audiobooks available at US public libraries - a valuable tool to help manage nearsightedness in children.
Set outdoor time goals to empower your child for more outdoor time and curb myopic progression.