Childhood Myopia: How To Protect Your Child’s Vision

When it comes to your child's future, clear and healthy vision plays an essential role. One growing challenge facing kids today is childhood myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia in kids has been rising dramatically both nationally and worldwide — including right here in South Jersey.

At South Jersey Eye Associates in Bridgeton, NJ and Millville, NJ, we’re passionate about safeguarding your child's vision and providing leading-edge solutions for myopia management. Keep reading to get a deeper understanding of childhood myopia, how it can affect a child's education, and what you can do to support your child's long-term eye health and vision.

What is Childhood Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects are clear. It often starts between the ages of 6 and 14 and can progress rapidly without intervention. Studies predict that by 2050, nearly 50% of the world’s population will be myopic. Furthermore, the prevalence of childhood myopia in the US has doubled over the past 50 years, currently impacting around 42% of children between the ages of 5 and 19 years old. Because early-onset myopia tends to worsen over time, early detection and active management are critical to protecting your child’s lifelong vision.

Why is Childhood Myopia Becoming So Common?

Several factors contribute to the sharp increase in myopia in kids:

• Screen Time Overload: Extended use of smartphones, tablets, and computers encourages prolonged close-up focus.
• Reduced Outdoor Activity: Less exposure to natural light and outdoor environments impacts healthy eye development.
• Family History: Children with one or both myopic parents have a greater chance of developing the condition.

Modern habits—like digital learning and limited outdoor play—are creating an environment where childhood myopia is more likely to develop and worsen.

How Myopia Affects Learning and Daily Life

Clear vision is fundamental to educational success. Experts estimate that up to 80% of early learning happens visually. Without good distance vision, a child's academic and social experiences may suffer. Children with uncorrected myopia often:

• Struggle to see the whiteboard or classroom presentations
• Experience headaches, eye strain, and fatigue
• Have difficulty copying notes or staying engaged
• Face challenges in sports and other physical activities
• Show signs of lowered self-esteem or withdrawal

Often, kids are unaware that their vision is impaired—they assume what they see is "normal." This can lead to academic setbacks, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal if not addressed early.

Recognizing Early Signs of Myopia in Kids

Be on the lookout for these symptoms of childhood myopia:

• Frequent squinting to see distant objects
• Sitting very close to TVs, tablets, or books
• Complaining about headaches or tired eyes
• Difficulty seeing in school
• Lack of interest in outdoor play

Catching myopia early makes a significant difference in slowing its progression and preserving long-term vision health and the best way to detect any issues early-on is by staying up-to-date on comprehensive children's eye exams. The American Optometric Association recommends pediatric eye exams starting at the age of 6 months, with follow-up eye exams at 3 years, prior starting school/kindergarten, and then annually thereafter to catch potential vision problems early.

How to Help Slow Childhood Myopia Progression

While myopia can't always be prevented, there are proven strategies to slow its worsening:

• Encourage Outdoor Time: Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor activity daily. Natural light exposure supports healthy eye growth.
• Manage Digital Device Use: Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
• Foster Good Visual Habits: Encourage reading and homework in well-lit areas with proper posture and viewing distances.
• Maintain Routine Eye Exams: Annual comprehensive eye exams allow early detection and timely treatment of any changes.
• Consider Myopia Management Options: At South Jersey Eye Associates, we offer modern treatments proven to slow childhood myopia progression, including:
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Orthokeratology, often referred to as Corneal Reshaping Treatment (CRT) involves special contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea.
• Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses: Designed to reduce myopia advancement.
• Low-Dose Atropine Drops: A safe and effective treatment to slow eye elongation.
• Specialized Glasses Lenses: New spectacle lens designs aimed at controlling myopia.

Choosing the right management plan depends on your child's specific needs and lifestyle so it's important to discuss this with our myopia management specialists at South Jersey Eye Associates.

The Risks of Untreated Childhood Myopia

When left unmanaged, myopia can lead to an increased risk of serious eye diseases in adulthood, such as:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic macular degeneration

Early intervention is the best way to minimize these risks and protect your child’s sight well into the future.

Comprehensive Myopia Management at South Jersey Eye Associates

At South Jersey Eye Associates, we’re proud to offer expert myopia management in Bridgeton, NJ and myopia management in Millville, NJ. Our services include:

• Child-specific eye exams that detect early signs of vision changes
• Customized treatment plans for myopia control based on your child's needs
• Education and guidance to support healthy visual habits at home
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal results over time

We combine state-of-the-art technology with a caring, personalized approach to give your child the best possible care.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Child’s Vision

If you’ve noticed signs of vision struggles in yourself or your child, or simply want to be proactive, now is the time to act. Contact South Jersey Eye Associates today to schedule a pediatric eye exam or call our Bridgeton office at 856-865-5570 or call our Millville office at 856-263-2552 today. Together, we can give your child the tools for a lifetime of healthy, clear vision and endless opportunities.