Myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the most common vision disorders in children. In recent years, its prevalence has been rising at an alarming rate – experts are already talking about a 'myopia epidemic'. The main cause is a change in children's lifestyle: less time spent outdoors, more screen time, insufficient natural daylight.
Early detection is crucial. If myopia in children is not addressed, it can rapidly worsen and lead to serious eye complications in adulthood.
What is myopia (nearsightedness)?
It is a disorder in which a child sees well up close but poorly at a distance. The eye is too long, so the image forms in front of the retina, not on it. The result is blurred objects already a few meters away.
It most commonly appears between 6 and 14 years of age and can gradually increase.
Why does myopia occur in children? Most common causes
✔ Genetics
If parents are nearsighted, the probability that the child will be too is very high.
✔ Lack of daylight
Children today spend less time outdoors. Natural light has a protective effect on eye growth.
✔ Lots of close-up work
Digital devices, books, tablets, homework – the eye is constantly in short-distance focusing mode.
✔ Excessive use of phones and tablets
Screens at very close distances (20–30 cm) quickly tire eye muscles and promote myopia development.
✔ Uncorrected vision disorders
If a child doesn't wear prescribed glasses, vision can deteriorate faster.
How to recognize myopia in a child?
Children often don't realize they can't see well. Therefore, pay attention to subtle signs:
- sitting very close to the TV,
- squinting when looking into the distance,
- trouble recognizing bus numbers or faces at a distance,
- complaints of headaches,
- declining school performance (child can't see the board well),
- holding books very close to the eyes,
- frequent squinting or screwing up eyes,
- behavior changes during sports (child misses the ball, doesn't notice distant objects).
If 1–2 of these symptoms appear, an eye examination is recommended.
How is myopia treated?
Treatment depends on age and the dynamics of vision deterioration.
1. Prescription glasses
The most common form of treatment. Properly adjusted glasses immediately improve the child's comfort and vision.
2. Contact lenses for children
Especially suitable for sports or when the child refuses glasses.
3. Special myopia glasses and lenses
Modern solutions that can slow myopia progression, for example:
- DIMS glasses,
- special soft lenses,
- orthokeratology (overnight) lenses.
4. Atropine drops
In low concentration, they slow eye growth and are a recommended therapy for rapidly progressing myopia.
How to slow myopia progression? 8 proven tips
- At least 2 hours daily outdoors - Daylight is the best prevention of myopia in children.
- Limit phones and tablets - Especially in children under 10 years old.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule - Every 20 minutes, look 20 seconds into the distance.
- Correct posture when reading - Book at least 30–40 cm from the eyes.
- Adequate lighting when studying - Poor light strains the eyes.
- Regular breaks during homework - Short but frequent.
- Wear glasses as prescribed - Not wearing them harms vision.
- Preventive eye check-ups - Every year, more often if rapidly deteriorating.
Why is it important to address myopia in children early?
If myopia is left unchecked, it can develop into high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of:
- retinal detachment,
- glaucoma,
- macular degeneration,
- premature vision deterioration in adulthood.
Early treatment is therefore crucial for preventing future complications.
Eye Clinic at Polyclinic Mlynská dolina – expert care for children
At Polyclinic Mlynská dolina, we provide eye examinations for children and adults, including myopia diagnostics, vision checks, recommendations for proper glasses, and modern methods of slowing myopia.
Parents will find expert help here, modern equipment, and experienced ophthalmologists who approach children sensitively and patiently.