How should myopia in children be treated?

It is reported that, with the widespread use of various electronic devices, the incidence of myopia among children has been rising sharply. Many children begin wearing glasses at a very young age. So, how should childhood myopia be treated?

How Should Childhood Myopia Be Treated?

Children diagnosed with myopia must undergo cycloplegic refraction (i.e., pupil-dilating refraction) at a hospital to determine whether the condition is true myopia or pseudo-myopia. In cases of true myopia, appropriately prescribed corrective lenses are essential. Wearing correctly powered glasses ensures clear visual input. Without proper correction, the progression of true myopia may accelerate. Children should undergo cycloplegic refraction every six months to monitor whether their myopic refractive error is worsening.

If myopia progresses, updated prescription glasses will be required. Daily eye health maintenance is crucial: take a break after every period of reading; ensure at least one hour of outdoor activity daily; avoid reading in dim lighting; and refrain from reading while in motion (e.g., in a moving vehicle).

The primary symptom following the onset of myopia is blurred distance vision. When a child is diagnosed with true myopia, the principal treatment approach is optical correction using appropriately prescribed myopic spectacles. Currently, two main types of corrective lenses are used clinically: conventional spectacles (frame glasses) and contact lenses (corneal contact lenses). Following diagnosis, the choice of corrective lens—whether spectacles or contact lenses—depends on the child’s specific refractive error and individual clinical circumstances. We hope this information proves helpful!