Myopia in children: progression and control
- Topic
Myopia is rising worldwide. Time outdoors, less close work and regular breaks slow it; high myopia raises the risk of serious eye disease later.
See it in 3D: Retina
What it is
Myopia usually starts at school age and progresses while the eye grows, until early adulthood. Its frequency is rising worldwide, linked to more near work and less time outdoors. Besides needing glasses, high myopia increases the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and myopic macular degeneration. Slowing its progression in childhood is therefore a public health goal.
Key facts
- Risk factors: myopic parents, intensive near work, little time outdoors, East Asian ancestry.
- Signs: squinting to see far, sitting close to the board or the screen, headaches.
- High myopia (usually 6 dioptres or more) carries risk of retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy.
- Specialist options to slow progression include low-dose atropine drops, special spectacle or contact lenses and orthokeratology.
In clinical practice
- Colombian guideline: encourage at least 8 hours a week of outdoor activity, reduce hours of near work and take regular breaks during close work.
- Children should avoid rubbing their eyes.
- Myopic children are reviewed every six months under 5 years and yearly after, with cycloplegic refraction.
Next step / Initial management
- Child who struggles to see far: refer to optometry for cycloplegic refraction.
- Rapidly progressing myopia: paediatric ophthalmology to discuss myopia control.
- High myopia: teach the warning symptoms of retinal detachment (floaters, flashes, a shadow).
- Advise families on outdoor time and screen breaks.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which lifestyle measure does the Colombian guideline recommend to slow myopia?
At least 8 hours a week of outdoor activity, less near work and regular breaks during close work.
Why does high myopia matter beyond glasses?
It increases the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and myopic macular degeneration.
When does myopia usually progress?
During school age, while the eye grows, until early adulthood.
Connections
See it in 3D1
The structures of Durgical's 3D anatomy where it is found.
Educational content; not a clinical guideline and no substitute for assessment by a health professional. For sudden visual loss, severe eye pain, a chemical burn or an eye injury, go to an emergency department at once.
Sources: Guía de práctica clínica para la detección temprana, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de los defectos refractivos en menores de 18 años (Guía No. 47) (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, 2016); World report on vision (World Health Organization, 2019).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.