Childhood Myopia — Prevention, Control & When to Consider Surgery

The Growing Myopia Epidemic

Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the fastest-growing eye problems in India — and Punjab is no exception. Children who are myopic can see objects close to them clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This happens when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved.

What makes myopia concerning is that once it starts, it often continues to progress throughout childhood. The earlier myopia begins, the higher the final prescription is likely to be — and high myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.

Causes of Childhood Myopia

• Genetics: Children with myopic parents have higher risk (40% if one parent, 60% if both)
• Near Work: Extended reading, writing, and screen time strain developing eyes
• Lack of Outdoor Time: Less exposure to natural light accelerates myopia
• Early Schooling: Starting intense close work at young ages
• Environmental Factors: Urban children have higher myopia rates than rural children

Warning Signs in Children

Watch for these signs that your child might be developing myopia:

• Squinting to see distant objects (TV, board at school)
• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books close to face
• Frequent headaches or eye fatigue
• Rubbing eyes frequently
• Declining academic performance (can't see the board)
• Tilting head to see better
• Excessive blinking

Myopia Prevention Strategies

Prevention Tips for Parents

1. Outdoor Play: Ensure at least 2 hours of outdoor activity daily
2. 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
3. Proper Reading Distance: Keep books at least 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) away
4. Good Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for reading and homework
5. Limit Screen Time: Follow age-appropriate screen time guidelines
6. Regular Eye Exams: Annual checkups starting from age 3
7. Healthy Diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids

Myopia Control Treatments

If your child already has myopia, several treatments can slow down its progression:

When to Consider Surgery

Surgical Options for Adults with Childhood-Onset Myopia

• LASIK: Most common laser surgery, suitable for low to moderate myopia
• PRK: Surface laser treatment, good for thin corneas
• ICL (Implantable Contact Lens): For high myopia where LASIK isn't suitable
• Refractive Lens Exchange: For very high myopia or older patients

Why Early Intervention Matters

• Slowing myopia by even 1 diopter reduces future eye disease risk by 40%
• Children who receive myopia control have better long-term visual outcomes
• Preventing high myopia reduces need for thick glasses and improves quality of life
• Early treatment gives parents more options and better results

The Brar Eye Hospital Approach

At Brar Eye Hospital Bathinda, we offer comprehensive myopia management for children:

• Detailed Eye Examination: Complete assessment of vision and eye health
• Myopia Risk Assessment: Identifying children at risk of progression
• Axial Length Measurement: Tracking eye growth over time
• Customized Treatment Plans: Tailored myopia control based on individual needs
• Regular Monitoring: Scheduled follow-ups to track progress
• Parent Education: Guidance on lifestyle changes and prevention