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In 1971, only a quarter of Americans were nearsighted, but in 2025, that number has almost doubled, with more than 42% of the population now diagnosed. Nearsightedness is becoming increasingly common, with many experts estimating that by 2050, more than half of the world’s population will be nearsighted. A child with myopia can face many challenges throughout their life, especially if the condition is not managed correctly.
Nearsightedness is usually diagnosed in adolescence, and the increasing number of children diagnosed each year has parents worried about long-term eye health and visual impairments. Because the condition is progressive, it’s advisable for parents to be involved in protecting their children’s vision to prevent future complications. There is a clear link between screen time and myopia, so let’s explore what parents can do to help their kids.
What Is Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, also called Myopia, is an eye condition that makes distant objects appear blurry. Children with myopia may struggle to see details on the classroom whiteboard or on TV. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. This elongation makes light that enters the eye fall short of the retina, the sensor that sends visual input to the brain, resulting in blurriness.
Common signs of myopia in children include frequent squinting and eye rubbing, sitting very close to screens, holding books close to their faces, headaches and eye pain, and excessive blinking when looking at distant objects. Teachers may notice the child struggling to participate in classroom activities that require distance vision. Parents should closely monitor their children for signs of vision problems and intervene as soon as possible.
Why Is Myopia Becoming More Prevalent?
Nearsightedness in children is becoming more prevalent due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with who’s parents have myopia are more likely to develop myopia too, but the rapid increase in children with the disorder cannot be explained by genetics alone. A significant contributing factor is the amount of time spent on near work. For example, in 2025, children are more likely to spend prolonged periods on their phones, tablets, and computers during leisure time and reading or studying at school.
At the same time, children are spending less time outdoors. Exposure to sunlight and switching focus between near and distant objects play an essential role in regulating eye growth. During the 2020 lockdowns, many parents relied on technology to keep their children busy and entertained while they tried to work from home. Children could also only participate in school through a screen, which has made it challenging to get children to detach from their devices.
What Are the Treatment Options for Myopic Children?
Fortunately, several effective myopia treatments are available to meet the increased need for myopia management. Proper management of nearsightedness is essential, as uncontrolled progression can increase the risk of eye issues later in life. As the eye elongates, the retina is stretched and becomes thinner over time, increasing the risk of retinal detachment. Myopia also increases the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.
At Weston Contact Lens Institute, our pediatric eye health experts offer four main myopia treatments. One management option is distance-center multifocal contact lenses, which are specially designed with different “zones” to trick the eye into growing more slowly. Atropine eye drops also slow myopia progression by dilating the pupil and relaxing the eye’s focus center.
We also offer Stellest™ lenses, a specially engineered spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression using H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology. Stellest glasses look and feel like regular lenses, but their unique lenslet structure helps control eye growth while still providing clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. They’re an excellent option for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses.
Orthokeratology lenses are a unique type of contact lens worn while sleeping. Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas-permeable lenses designed to gently reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps, temporarily correcting vision by flattening the central corneal surface. When the lenses are removed in the morning, the patient can enjoy clear vision throughout the day. Orthokeratology lenses are tailor-made to fit each child’s eyes precisely so they can be worn comfortably every day. These advanced lenses are ideal for children who are very active or prone to losing their glasses.
What Can Parents Do To Help Their Children With Myopia?
Parents play a critical role in myopia prevention and management. Children learn their behavior from their parents, so it’s vital to model positive screen boundaries. Experts say that screen time should be limited to two hours per day, but unfortunately, with projects, homework, and studying, it’s not always possible. Therefore, it’s important to balance screen time with outdoor time for kids by encouraging family activities like playing hide-and-seek outdoors.
If you suspect that your child is nearsighted, take them to an eye specialist as soon as possible. Starting myopia treatments early significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications. If you are myopic yourself, your child will likely be as well, so be sure to carefully monitor how they interact with the world around them.
Expert Care for Your Nearsighted Child
If you believe that your child may be myopic or you’re looking for advanced vision care for children with myopia, contact Weston Contact Lens Institute. Our myopia management clinic uses advanced diagnostic technology and treatments to help parents protect their children’s eyes now and in the future. Schedule a consultation today to determine which management method is best for your child.
