Pediatric Myopia

Pediatric myopia is nearsightedness that occurs in children. Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error whereas light enters the eye and focuses in front of the retina (light sensitive tissue of rods and cones in the back of the eye) instead of on the retina. This causes issues primarily with seeing clearly far away.

Symptoms and signs of pediatric myopia include:

• Blurry vision, especially at a distance
• Squinting, especially at distance
• Headaches
• Nausea after near work¹
• Moving very close to see images clearly

Pediatric myopia is usually genetic, whereas one or both parents are also nearsighted. Children of Asian background also have a higher risk of developing myopia.³

Pediatric myopia is diagnosed by an eye doctor with retinoscopy and refraction. Retinoscopy is performed with a retinoscope, whereas an eye doctor shines a light into the eye and determines a glasses prescription by how the light moves within the pupil.

Bifocals/Multifocals: glasses with an “add” power (magnification) in the bottom of the lens

Multifocal contact lenses: soft contact lenses with an “add” power (magnification), IE. Coopervision MiSight 1-Day

Ortho-keratology (Ortho-k): rigid gas permeable (RGP, hard contact lens) worn at night time to reshape the cornea²

Atropine (off-label): low doses of this eye drop may decrease the rate in which myopia progresses, used over a few years, can cause itchy or red eyes, as well as, slightly near vision issues.^{2, 3}

It is important for children to spend time outdoors and away from their devices, like an iPad, computer, or cellphone. If contact lenses are used in the treatment of pediatric myopia, it’s very important to follow an eye doctor’s recommendation on replacement, cleaning, wearing schedule, and overall compliance to avoid infection or injury to the eye. Pediatric myopia, if continual progression, can increase the risk of development of cataracts and glaucoma. Also, as the eye lengthens, due to myopia, the retina becomes stretched, increasing the risk of retinal thinning, holes, tears, and detachment.²

1. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/m/myopia
2. https://aapos.org/glossary/treatment-for-progressive-myopia
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170055/