Myopia in children: how to slow it down with MyoStop lenses

Every year, the same question at the eye exam: “Has the prescription gone up again?” If your child sees well up close but can’t see the school board or the TV clearly from a distance, they may well be short-sighted. The good news is that today myopia doesn’t have to grow unchecked. With simple habits and the right lenses, its progression can be slowed down.

What is myopia?

Myopia, or difficulty seeing far away, happens when the eye grows slightly longer than usual. Light no longer focuses exactly on the retina but in front of it, so distant objects look blurry. Myopia can start early, but it is usually diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 12, and it can increase every year until the eye stops growing, around the age of 18–20.

Myopia is becoming more and more common all over the world. Scientific studies predict that by 2050 about half of the world’s population will be short-sighted. The main reasons are long hours in front of screens, reading very close up and too little time outdoors in natural light.

Why does slowing it down matter?

A high prescription doesn’t just mean thicker glasses. When myopia increases a lot, so does the risk of serious eye problems in adult life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma or damage to the macula. The earlier we control it, the lower your child’s final prescription will be, and the healthier their eyes will stay for life.

Signs to look out for

• Squints to see things far away
• Sits very close to the TV or holds the phone close to the face
• Complains of headaches or tired eyes after school
• Rubs their eyes often
• Struggles to read the board, or the teacher mentions difficulties

If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t wait for the next check-up. A complete exam with the ophthalmologist gives you clear answers in 20–30 minutes.

MyoStop lenses: a solution designed especially for children

Ordinary glasses correct myopia, so your child sees clearly, but they don’t stop it from growing. MyoStop lenses are designed with a different goal: to slow down the progression of myopia in children and teenagers. Italoptik brought them to Albania for the first time.

• Clear vision all day long, at school, at play and in front of a screen
• Slower progression of myopia, meaning a smaller increase in prescription year after year
• At least 25% thinner than standard lenses, so the glasses are lighter and look better
• Comfortable to wear from morning to evening

We recommend MyoStop lenses for every child with myopia. They work best when worn every day and started as early as possible.

5 everyday habits that help

1. Two hours outdoors every day. Natural light is one of the best protections against myopia. A walk, playing in the park or sport in the yard all make a difference.
2. The 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes of reading or screen time, your child looks at something 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds.
3. The right distance. Books and tablets should be held about 30–40 cm from the eyes, roughly the distance from elbow to fist.
4. Good lighting in the room while studying and reading.
5. Enough sleep. The eyes rest and recover overnight.

How often should children have their eyes checked?

For children with myopia we recommend a check-up every 6 to 12 months, or whenever the doctor recommends it. This way we can closely follow how the prescription changes and how well the lenses are working. Children without any complaints should also have an eye exam before they start school.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to the ophthalmologist. Every child is different, and the right solution is chosen by the specialist after the examination.