If you are a parent of a child with myopia, you may be wondering how to slow down the progression of this condition. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects many children. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry. While glasses and contact lenses can correct myopia, they do not slow down its progression. In this article, we will discuss three effective ways to slow down myopia progression in children.
Three Ways to Slow Down Myopia Progression in Children
1. Spend More Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is one of the most effective and natural ways to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Multiple studies have shown that children who spend more time playing and engaged in activities outdoors have a significantly lower risk of developing myopia and slower progression of the condition if they already have it.
There are a few key reasons why time outdoors is beneficial:
- Sunlight exposure – Natural sunlight provides essential vitamin D for eye development and health. Sunlight also regulates circadian rhythms and releases dopamine in the retina which may influence eye growth. Getting regular sunlight exposure, rather than extended near work indoors under artificial lighting, gives children’s eyes a much-needed break.
- Distance viewing – When outdoors, children often look at distant objects like trees, buildings, and clouds. This distance viewing encourages the eyes to relax and not strain to focus up close. Straining to focus on close objects for extended periods is linked to worsening myopia progression. Time outdoors provides effortless distance viewing which gives the eyes a rest.
- Time away from near work – When children are outdoors playing, they get a break from sustained near work like reading books, screens, etc. Taking a break from intensive near work seems to provide a protective effect against rapid myopia progression. Time outdoors is time away from near work demands.
- Physical activity – Time spent outdoors usually involves higher levels of physical activity, even if just walking around, running, climbing, etc. Studies link increased outdoor activity time with slower myopia progression. The exercise and physical movement may influence eye growth and shape. Active time outdoors also lowers eye strain.
- Fresh air – Breathing fresh outdoor air provides a mental recharge and break for children’s eyes after concentrated effort on near tasks indoors. Eyes relax when outdoors viewing nature, scenery, and greenery. The openness and fresh air is a boost for healthy eye development.
The most effective way to obtain the benefits of time outdoors is through unstructured play and activity. Things like playground time, playing sports and games in the yard, going for a nature walk allow children to freely engage their vision at varying distances in a rejuvenating outdoor setting. Try to minimize near work demands like handheld screens when outdoors. Make outdoor time an engaging, fun daily habit for your child rather than a forced requirement for slower myopia progression.
2. Use Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops have emerged as an effective treatment for slowing the progression of myopia in children. Atropine works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that control pupils and accommodation. This reduces near-focusing efforts which seem to influence myopia progression. While atropine has been used for decades in low doses to dilate pupils for eye exams, more recent research has shown that higher strength doses around 0.01% can significantly slow the elongation of the eyeball which causes myopia to worsen over time.
Here are some key points about using atropine drops to control myopia:
- Prescription required – Atropine requires a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The concentration provided is customized based on the childβs age and severity of myopia. The standard strength used is 0.01% but concentrations from 0.01% up to 0.05% may be prescribed. Do not attempt to source and use atropine without medical supervision.
- Once daily use – The typical protocol is using the atropine drops once per day in the evenings. This provides a sustained effect of pupil dilation and accommodation reduction throughout the next day when near focusing demand is highest. Consistency is key so be diligent about nightly administration.
- Potential side effects – Common side effects include sensitivity to light and blurred near vision. These effects are temporary and reversal starts within a week if atropine is discontinued. Return visits will monitor for any problematic side effects.
- No long-term issues – Decades of medical research on atropine eye drops have shown no long-term adverse effects on vision or eye health from standard myopia-controlling doses. However, discuss risks and benefits thoroughly with your eye doctor.
- Slows progression – Studies report at least 50% slowing in myopia progression when using 0.01% atropine consistently. This means a child’s prescription should not increase as fast while using the drops. The effect lasts for years if use continues.
- Doesn’t reverse myopia – Important to note that atropine will not reverse or cure existing myopia. The goal is slowing further structural change in the eye to limit increases in myopia severity. It is early intervention and prevention of rapid worsening.
- May need reading glasses – The blurring of near vision from pupil dilation can make reading difficult. Children may temporarily need reading glasses for close work while using atropine.
- Not permanent – If atropine is stopped, the effects on pupil size and focusing will reverse usually within 1-2 weeks. Myopia progression may also accelerate again without continued daily use. Discuss all decisions about continuing/stopping with your eye doctor.
Using atropine eye drops daily requires commitment from the child and parents, but the effort can pay off with better long-term vision prognosis. Always have regular follow-up exams to monitor the impact and adjust the atropine protocol as needed under ophthalmological supervision. Used properly, atropine can be a safe and effective way to put the brakes on rapidly worsening childhood myopia.
3. Use Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses
Orthokeratology (also referred to as Ortho-K) contact lenses are specially designed gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and reduce myopia. Regular wear of these lenses has been shown to slow the elongation of the eye and progression of nearsightedness in children.
How Ortho-K lenses work:
- Made of rigid, gas-permeable material
- Designed with a reverse geometry curve
- The lens settles on the cornea at night and applies slight pressure
- While sleeping, the cornea is gently remodeled into a more flattened shape
- This flattening reduces myopia and improves unaided vision during the day
- The cornea retains its altered shape for 1-2 days if lenses are not worn
Benefits of Ortho-K:
- Clinically proven to slow myopia progression by 50-60% on average
- Provides clearer unaided vision during waking hours
- Can slow myopia for many years with ongoing lens wear
- Non-invasive approach with lenses worn only at night
- Effects are reversible if treatment is halted
Considerations:
- Requires initial fitting by an eye care specialist
- Vision may fluctuate until corneas fully adapt to reshaping
- Requires careful lens insertion and removal
- Eyes may feel dry initially upon waking
- Lenses need to be worn every night to sustain effect
- Requires commitment to nightly wear and regular follow-up exams
The ideal Ortho-K candidate:
- Children around 6-12 years old
- Myopia between -1.00 to -5.00 diopters
- No eye health problems or injuries
- Willing to wear lenses every night as directed
Proper lens care:
- Follow prescribed nightly wearing schedule
- Use only recommended lens cleaning/disinfection solution
- Rinse lenses before insertion and upon removal
- Keep lenses stored in case when not being worn
- Replace lenses as prescribed, often after 1-2 years
Ortho-K lenses represent an innovative way to harness the plasticity of children’s vision for myopia control. This reversible approach can safely slow the progression of nearsightedness and reduce reliance on glasses or contacts. Consult an optometrist to see if your child is a good candidate for Ortho-K lens treatment.
Slow Down Myopia Progression in Children
Myopia is a common condition that affects many children. While glasses and contact lenses can correct myopia, they do not slow down its progression. Spending more time outdoors, using atropine eye drops, and using Ortho-K contact lenses are effective ways to slow down myopia progression in children. If you are concerned about your child’s myopia, talk to an eye doctor about the best treatment options for your child.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Myopia Control in Children