Myopia in Kids: What Parents Should Know in 2025

If your child has started holding books too close to their face, squinting at the TV, or complaining of blurry distance vision, you may be seeing the first signs of myopia — also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is one of the fastest-growing eye conditions worldwide, and experts project that by 2050, nearly half the global population will be myopic.

As we step into 2025, awareness around childhood myopia has never been more important. The good news? With early detection, smart lifestyle choices, and modern treatment options, parents can play a big role in managing their child’s eye health.

This blog breaks down what parents should know about myopia in children, including prevention strategies, available treatments, and when to book eye exams.

What is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too curved. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to look blurry.

In kids, myopia often begins to develop between ages 6 and 14 and can worsen as they grow. Since children’s eyes are still developing, unchecked myopia can progress quickly, increasing the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Why Myopia is on the Rise

The increase in childhood myopia has been linked to lifestyle changes:

Increased screen time: Digital devices are now central to school and entertainment. Hours spent on tablets, phones, and computers put extra strain on young eyes.
Less outdoor play: Studies consistently show that kids who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia. Exposure to natural light and looking at distant objects appear to protect eye development.
Genetics: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted have a higher chance of developing myopia themselves.

With more kids spending their days in classrooms and evenings on devices, parents need to be proactive about prevention and care.

Prevention Strategies Every Parent Should Know

While genetics can’t be controlled, lifestyle adjustments can reduce the risk of myopia or slow its progression. Here are strategies backed by eye health experts:

1. Encourage Outdoor Time

Research shows that two hours of outdoor activity per day significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia. Natural light stimulates healthy eye growth, while activities like running, biking, or simply playing in the park encourage children to look at objects at different distances.

2. Limit Screen Time

Excessive close-up work — whether reading, homework, or scrolling — can accelerate myopia. Pediatric specialists recommend:

Limiting recreational screen time to less than 2 hours per day.
Using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Ensuring screens are kept at least an arm’s length from the eyes.

3. Prioritize Good Visual Habits

Encourage kids to sit upright with books or devices at least 30–40 cm away.
Make sure there’s proper lighting when reading or studying.
Schedule regular breaks during long study sessions.

These small habits can help prevent eye fatigue and slow progression.

Treatment Options for Myopia in 2025

If your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, don’t worry — today’s treatment options go far beyond regular glasses. Eye care specialists now have multiple methods to manage progression.

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses that children wear overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while they sleep, allowing clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts. More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to slow myopia progression in children.

Pros: Non-surgical, reversible, daytime freedom from glasses.
Cons: Requires careful hygiene, regular follow-up visits, and may not be suitable for every child.

2. Special Myopia-Control Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses correct vision while reducing eye strain that contributes to myopia progression.
Specially designed eyeglass lenses: In 2025, advanced spectacle lenses like peripheral defocus lenses are increasingly popular. They help redirect how light focuses on the retina, slowing down eye growth.

3. Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine drops, prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, are another proven treatment for slowing myopia progression in kids. Though not a cure, when used consistently, they can reduce how quickly prescriptions increase each year.

4. Combination Approaches

Sometimes, specialists recommend combining treatments — for example, Ortho-K at night with low-dose atropine — to achieve better results.

When Should Kids Get Eye Exams?

Early detection is key. Even if your child doesn’t complain of vision problems, they should have regular eye exams, since kids often don’t realize their vision is impaired.

General exam timeline recommended by experts:

First eye exam: Between ages 6 months and 1 year.
Second exam: Around age 3.
Before starting school: Around age 5–6.
After that: Every year, unless otherwise directed by your eye doctor.

If you notice symptoms like squinting, frequent eye rubbing, headaches, or difficulty seeing the board at school, schedule an exam sooner.

What Parents Should Do in 2025

Be proactive, not reactive. Don’t wait for your child to struggle in school or sports to book an eye test.
Balance screen time with outdoor time. Make daily outdoor play a non-negotiable part of your child’s routine.
Stay informed about new treatments. Ortho-K, atropine drops, and innovative lenses are becoming more accessible in Canada and globally.
Partner with your eye care professional. Regular monitoring ensures that treatments are adjusted as your child grows.

Final Thoughts

Myopia in kids is no longer just a simple case of needing glasses. It’s a condition that, if left unchecked, can impact lifelong vision. But 2025 also brings more tools, awareness, and options than ever before for parents.

By combining smart lifestyle habits, early detection, and modern treatment methods, you can help your child enjoy clear, healthy vision today — and protect their eye health for decades to come.