Evidence indicates that progressive childhood myopia or short-sightedness is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. We know that children of myopic parents are more likely to have myopia. There is also evidence that environmental influences interacting with genes play a major role. Other habits such as long periods of detailed or close work and childhood illnesses may also influence the progression of myopia. Another reason could be the intensity of near work, such as reading, studying and computer usage, that takes place in daily life.
School-age children may complain that they cannot see the whiteboard at school or the bus number of the oncoming bus at the bus stop.
Other signs of myopia include :
| Treatment | Corrects vision | Slows myopia progression |
|---|---|---|
| Standard glasses | ✓ | ✗ |
| Myopia control glasses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low-dose atropine | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ortho-K lenses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Soft myopia control contact lenses | ✓ | ✓ |
Yearly eye examinations are also important to detect any vision problems early.Corrective visual aids like glasses, when required, will help the eye to focus better.
If your child’s short-sightedness (myopia) is increasing rapidly, they may benefit from a consultation with a Paediatric Ophthalmologist (children’s eye specialist) or an ophthalmologist experienced in myopia control. Early assessment can help determine the most suitable treatment to slow myopia progression and reduce the risk of developing high myopia later in life.
OasisEye Specialists provides dedicated paediatric ophthalmology services across Malaysia. Our fellowship-trained paediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and treat childhood myopia, myopia progression, lazy eye (amblyopia), squints (strabismus), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), paediatric cataracts, and paediatric glaucoma. Services are available at our Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kuching centres through Dr Norazah Abdul Rahman, Dr Norhafizah Hamzah, and Dr Sunder Ramasamy.
Childhood myopia is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. Children with one or both myopic parents have a higher risk, while prolonged near work and insufficient outdoor time may also contribute to its development.
Children with myopia may squint to see distant objects, sit very close to the television, hold books close to their face, complain that the classroom whiteboard is blurry, or frequently rub their eyes.
Myopia commonly develops between the ages of 6 and 14 years, although it can occur earlier or later depending on the child. Regular eye examinations help detect changes before vision problems affect learning.
No. Childhood myopia cannot currently be cured or reversed, but several proven treatments can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of developing high myopia later in life.
Myopia management refers to treatments designed to slow the progression of childhood myopia. Depending on your child’s needs, these may include low-dose atropine eye drops, specialised myopia control spectacle lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), or soft contact lenses for myopia control.
Standard prescription glasses improve vision but do not usually slow myopia progression. Specially designed myopia control spectacle lenses may help reduce the rate of progression in suitable children.
Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of childhood myopia in many children. Your ophthalmologist will determine whether atropine treatment is appropriate based on your child’s age, prescription, and rate of progression.
Research suggests that children should spend at least two hours outdoors each day, as increased outdoor exposure has been associated with a lower risk of developing and progressing myopia. Outdoor time complements—but does not replace—other myopia management treatments.
Screen time alone is unlikely to be the only cause of myopia. However, prolonged near work with limited outdoor activity has been associated with an increased risk of myopia development and progression in children.
Yes. Children with one or both parents who are short-sighted are more likely to develop myopia, although lifestyle and environmental factors also play an important role.
Arrange a comprehensive eye examination if your child squints frequently, struggles to see distant objects, sits close to screens, complains of blurry distance vision, or has a family history of myopia. Early detection allows treatment to begin sooner if needed.
