How Special Myopia Control Lenses Help Slow Down Short Sightedness in Kids

Childhood myopia is a significant public health concern in Singapore, where we have one of the highest prevalence rates globally. By age 12, 60% of children in Singapore are myopic.

Early onset of myopia is becoming increasingly common in our country. Unfortunately, a younger onset often correlates with faster progression into moderate or high myopia. 

Higher degrees of myopia increase the lifetime risk of conditions such as retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration. Hence,  early management to reduce progression of myopia is vital.

Among the available interventions, special myopia control lens technology has become a crucial clinical tool in slowing the progression of short-sightedness in children.

This guide will help parents understand the options for myopia control in children, particularly the use of myopia control lenses. You will learn about myopia control lenses, how they work, and when they may be suitable for a child.

‍What Is Childhood Myopia

Childhood myopia is a refractive error where the eyeball elongates or the cornea curves excessively, causing light to focus in front of the retina.

When the eyeball lengthens, light focuses in front of the retina. This leads to distance vision becoming blurry.

The eye continues to grow rapidly until the late teenage years. This is why the early onset of this condition can lead to more rapid progression over time. 

Why Childhood Myopia Progresses

There are several common causes for childhood myopia’s progression:

• Intense or prolonged near work. This is common due to high academic demands, reading, tuition, and similar requirements that young Singaporeans face. 
• Digital exposure. Prolonged screen use also increases accommodative stress. Unfortunately, this is nearly inescapable given today’s lifestyles. 
• Low outdoor time. A lack of sunlight reduces dopamine release in the retina, which is responsible for regulating growth normally. 
• Genetics. A child with one myopic parent has a higher risk of getting the condition. With two myopic parents, the risk increases further. 
• Early onset. Myopia detected before the age of 7 tends to progress faster and reach higher degrees.  

Progression cannot be reversed once eye elongation occurs. As such, myopia control in children focuses on slowing the rate of myopia progression rather than eliminating it.

Again, early detection and management are ideal for optimal outcomes. With early management, further elongation can be significantly slowed or delayed.

‍Early Warning Signs That a Child Needs an Eye Assessment 

Parents may not always realise when a child is developing myopia, as children often adapt to blurred vision without expressing discomfort. 

The following signs may indicate that an eye examination is needed:

• Squinting or narrowing the eyes to focus. This is when the child frequently squints when looking at distant objects such as classroom whiteboards, road signs or TV screens. 
• Sitting very close to screens or books. Take note if your child prefers to sit close to the television or holds books or devices very near the face.
• Complaints of headaches, eye strain or blurry vision. This is likely to happen after reading, using a digital device, or doing schoolwork. Your child may also note that faraway words, signs, or faces are blurry. 
• Reduced attention to distance activities. Pay particular attention if your child avoids sports or outdoor games that require distance vision. 
• Frequent blinking or eye rubbing. This may happen after reading or using screens.
• Tilting the head or closing one eye to see better. This is often an attempt to adjust viewing angles to compensate for blurriness. 

Why Early Action Matters

It's important to have a child checked early if a parent notices any changes that might indicate childhood myopia.

Childhood myopia is a progressive condition that has yet to receive a cure. Once eye elongation has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

Early adoption of myopia control strategies may help reduce the risk of progressing to high myopia, and as mentioned earlier, high myopia is associated with greater lifetime risks of retinal thinning and related complications.

Parents play a crucial role in detecting early signs, bringing children for scheduled screenings, and ensuring treatment compliance. This can lead to improved outcomes for a short-sighted child.

What Are Myopia Control Lenses?

A myopia control lens is a spectacle or contact lens designed to provide clear central vision while influencing how light focuses on the peripheral retina. 

Traditional single vision lenses correct clarity, but do not address progression. Myopia control lenses achieve this by using optical designs that help reduce the stimulus for eyeball elongation.

These lenses play a crucial role in childhood myopia management plans, alongside lifestyle guidance and monitoring.

How Special Myopia Control Lenses Help Slow Progression

In traditional lenses, central vision becomes clear, but the peripheral retina receives blurred images, which may lead the eye to continue elongating.

Myopia control lenses create controlled peripheral defocus that helps reduce this growth stimulus.

Peripheral defocus spectacle lenses are designed with a central clarity zone and peripheral treatment zones. They help distribute light in a manner that limits excessive axial elongation.

Myopia control spectacles are more suitable for younger children who may not be ready for contact lenses. 

Lifestyle Habits to Support Myopia Control in Children

Parents can introduce lifestyle habits to children that play an important role in myopia control. Below are some common examples:

• Encourage at least 1.5 to 2 hours of outdoor time daily, where possible. 
• Use the 20-20-20 rule to reduce near-work fatigue: every 20 minutes, pause to stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Establish structured screen time routines with breaks to limit digital and near-work exposure. 

Other Myopia Control Options

Below are other options for myopia control in children.

• Atropine eye drops (low dose) - Low-dose atropine eye drops, prescribed and supervised by an eye specialist, have been shown to slow progression
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) - Overnight rigid lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea and offer clear daytime vision without glasses. They can help slow axial length progression and are appropriate for older children with strict hygiene habits.

What Parents Should Expect During a Myopia Consultation 

Assessments for childhood myopia may include refraction tests, general eye health evaluation, axial length measurement and retinal imaging.

The eye doctor will typically consider:

• The child’s refractive power 
• Rate of progression 
• Lifestyle habits (screen usage, outdoor activity) 
• Ability to manage contact lenses

The doctor will also discuss expectations at this point. You and your child should be aware of what to expect in terms of adapting to the treatment and the follow up regime. 

Note that no single method is suitable for every child – treatments should be individualised, and monitoring is vital. Children with rapid progression are commonly reviewed every 3-6 months, while those more stable are usually reviewed every 6-12 months.

Consult an Ophthalmologist about Childhood Myopia 

Early action is essential in managing childhood myopia progression. Do not delay evaluation if you believe your child may be showing symptoms of the condition.

Patients can visit ERS Suntec City to get their assessments done and consult with our team of ophthalmologists. You may also book an appointment with us.