What should be done for children with myopia?

Feb 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My sister’s child is only six years old but already has myopia. What should be done for children with myopia?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Wenbo
For children with myopia, the first step is to determine whether it is true (axial) myopia or pseudo-myopia. This requires a cycloplegic refraction examination performed at a hospital. If refractive error is detected after cycloplegia, the diagnosis is true myopia; if no refractive error is found, it is pseudo-myopia. The decision to prescribe corrective lenses depends on both the child’s refractive error and visual acuity. If the refractive error is ≤50 diopters and visual acuity remains excellent, glasses may be deferred temporarily. However, if the refractive error is ≥75 or ≥100 diopters—and uncorrected vision is significantly reduced—corrective lenses are recommended. Regular vision assessments are essential: visual acuity should be checked each semester, and repeat cycloplegic refraction may be necessary when clinically indicated.