The Rise of Myopia in Children: How Early Intervention Can Help

If you're a parent in West Mobile, you've probably noticed that kids today are spending more time indoors, staring at screens, and less time playing outside. While technology has brought many benefits, one concerning trend is the increasing number of children developing myopia, or nearsightedness.

Why Is Myopia Becoming More Common?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Genetics play a role—if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to be as well. However, environmental factors are also a major contributor.

Children today spend more hours looking at tablets, phones, and computers for school and entertainment. The decrease in outdoor playtime, which helps regulate healthy eye growth, is another key factor. Studies have shown that kids who spend more time outside are less likely to develop myopia or experience rapid progression.

How Early Intervention Can Help

The good news is that myopia progression can be slowed or managed with the right approach. At JR Optometry, we help parents in West Mobile take proactive steps to protect their child’s vision. Many parents assume that school vision screenings are enough, but these often miss early signs of myopia. Regular, detailed eye exams allow us to track any changes in your child’s vision and recommend solutions before myopia worsens.

There are now several ways to slow myopia progression, including specialized contact lenses, prescription eye drops, and innovative glasses designed to reduce eye strain. Additionally, encouraging children to take breaks from screens, spend more time outdoors, and follow proper reading habits can have a significant impact on their eye health.

Effective Myopia Management Strategies

We offer several proven strategies to help slow myopia progression in children. Each child’s vision needs are unique, and our optometrists will work with you to determine the best approach for managing your child’s nearsightedness.

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that gently reshapes the cornea using specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses temporarily correct myopia, allowing children to see clearly during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. Beyond the convenience of not needing daytime eyewear, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia, making it an excellent choice for active kids involved in sports or outdoor activities.

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another effective method for slowing myopia progression. These prescription drops are applied once a day before bedtime and work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanisms. Studies have shown that atropine can significantly reduce myopia progression in children, making it a great option for those who may not be ready for contact lenses.

Multifocal soft contact lenses are specially designed lenses that help slow myopia progression while providing clear vision at all distances. Unlike traditional single-prescription lenses, multifocal lenses have different power zones that help reduce eye strain and slow excessive eye growth—the main cause of myopia progression. These lenses are a comfortable and effective option for children who are already comfortable wearing contacts and want a myopia control solution that fits into their daily routine.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses year after year. If left unchecked, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We’re committed to helping families in West Mobile protect their children's vision.

If you’ve noticed your child squinting, holding books or devices too close, or struggling to see the board at school, it may be time for an eye exam. Visit our office in West Mobile, Alabama, or call (251) 308-7045 to schedule to schedule a myopia management consultation with JR Optometry today.