Myopia is becoming more common than ever, especially in children. As nearsightedness develops, it often worsens during key growth years, creating long-term risks for eye health. Genetics play a role, but daily habits and screen use can have a big impact on how quickly it progresses. Myopia progression happens when the eye grows too long during development, leading to worsening distance vision that can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
What is Myopia Progression?
Myopia progression refers to the gradual worsening of nearsightedness over time. While some people develop mild myopia that remains stable, others experience continuous deterioration that can lead to high myopia.
The progression typically occurs during childhood and adolescence when the eyes are still developing. During this period, the eyeball continues to elongate, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This elongation is what creates the blurred distance vision characteristic of myopia.
Factors That Impact Myopia Progression
Here are some of the factors that can impact myopia progression:
Genetic Predisposition
Research shows that genetics plays a role in myopia development and progression. If one parent has myopia, a child has a 25% chance of developing the condition. When both parents are nearsighted, this risk jumps to 50%.
However, genetics alone doesn’t explain the dramatic rise in myopia rates over the past few decades. Environmental and lifestyle factors work alongside genetic predisposition to influence how quickly myopia progresses.
Age & Development
Myopia progression is most active during periods of rapid eye growth, typically between ages 6 and 16. The younger a child is when myopia first develops, the more likely it is to progress significantly.
During these key developmental years, the eye’s axial length (distance from the front to the back of the eye) increases faster in myopic children than in those with normal vision. This continued elongation is what drives the progression of myopia.
Environmental & Lifestyle Factors
Modern lifestyle changes have created the perfect storm for myopia progression:
- Increased near work: Extended periods of reading, writing, or studying can strain the eye’s focusing system and contribute to myopia progression.
- Screen time: Digital devices have become integral to daily life, but excessive screen time, especially in children, correlates with higher myopia rates.
- Reduced outdoor activity: Studies consistently show that children who spend more time outdoors have lower rates of myopia progression.
- Indoor Lighting: Poor lighting conditions during near work can increase eye strain and potentially contribute to myopia progression.
Treatment Options for Myopia Control
Several treatment methods are known to slow the advancement of myopia:
Ortho-K Treatment
Ortho-k uses overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without glasses. This treatment can also help slow down myopia progression by changing how light focuses in the eye. Ortho-k is a good option for active children who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.
Multifocal Soft Lenses
Multifocal soft lenses are daily contact lenses designed to correct vision and slow myopia progression. They work by providing clear vision through the center of the lens while using special zones around the edges to reduce signals that cause the eye to grow too long. These lenses are a simple option for children who are comfortable wearing contacts and prefer daily use.
Atropine Drops
Atropine drops are a simple treatment applied once each night to help slow myopia progression. The drops work by relaxing the focusing muscles in the eyes, helping to reduce the risk of worsening myopia. Low-dose atropine is well tolerated by most children and can be used alongside other myopia control treatments.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Treatment
While professional treatment options can help to slow myopia progression, certain lifestyle modifications can provide additional benefits:
- Encourage outdoor activities: Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor time daily. Natural light exposure and distant focusing may help regulate eye growth.
- Implement the 20-20-20 rule: During near work, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and accommodation fatigue.
- Optimize lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for reading and homework. Good illumination reduces the strain on the focusing system.
- Maintain proper reading distance: Keep books and screens at least arm’s length away to minimize accommodation demand.
Take Action for Improved Vision Health
Myopia progression can lead to long-term vision problems, but with the right care, it can be managed. At Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs, our team offers myopia control plans suited to your child’s needs. Whether you are interested in ortho-k, multifocal lenses, or atropine drops, we are here to help protect your child’s vision. Book an eye exam with Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs today and take an active step toward healthier, clearer vision.
