Childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise worldwide. This condition, which causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear, is more than just a minor inconvenience. When left unmanaged, myopia can progress rapidly and lead to serious eye health complications later in life. At Victoria Village Optometry, we understand the importance of early detection and effective intervention. Our myopia management clinic in Toronto offers specialized strategies to help slow or control progressive myopia in children.
Myopia typically begins during school-age years and tends to progress throughout adolescence. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. While corrective lenses can compensate for the blurred vision, they do not stop the condition from worsening. Progressive myopia is particularly concerning because higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy in adulthood. This makes early intervention and ongoing management crucial. A child with a mild prescription at age 8 can develop high myopia within a few years if no action is taken. The earlier we begin myopia control strategies, the more likely we are to slow progression and preserve long-term visual health.
Several factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia:
Genetics: Children with one or both myopic parents have a higher risk.
Visual habits:Extended close-up tasks, such as reading or using digital devices, may increase the risk.
Lack of outdoor time:Studies show that spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing myopia.
Urban living environments:Children in urban areas tend to spend less time outside, which may contribute to the growing prevalence of childhood nearsightedness
Understanding these factors allows optometrists to offer a holistic approach to myopia control, combining clinical treatment with behavioral and environmental guidance.
Unlike traditional corrective lenses, myopia control treatments aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness. At Victoria Village Optometry, we use evidence-based treatments tailored to each child’s needs. Options include:
Ortho-K involves the use of custom-designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, allowing for clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.
More importantly, research has shown that Ortho-K can slow the elongation of the eye—a key factor in progressive myopia. It is a non-surgical and safe option that many families find convenient. Ortho-K is especially beneficial for active children who play sports or are not comfortable wearing glasses during the day.
Low-dose atropine drops (usually 0.01% to 0.05%) have been shown to significantly slow myopia progression in children. These drops are applied once nightly and are generally well-tolerated.
Atropine eye drops are especially effective for younger children and those with rapidly worsening myopia. While they do not improve current vision, they are often used in combination with glasses or contact lenses. Parents often appreciate that this treatment is non-invasive and easy to incorporate into a nightly routine.
Specially designed multifocal soft contact lenses can help reduce the progression of myopia. These lenses are worn during the day and are suitable for children who are comfortable with contact lens wear.
These lenses work by creating a specific optical design that reduces eye growth stimulation. They are a great alternative for families who prefer a daytime option over Ortho-K or are not comfortable using atropine drops.
In certain cases, kids’ vision therapy may be recommended to support overall visual function. This is especially helpful when visual skills such as focusing, eye teaming, and tracking contribute to poor visual comfort or performance in school.
While vision therapy is not a standalone myopia control treatment, it can complement other approaches when visual efficiency is also a concern. Vision therapy may include in-office exercises, at-home tasks, and computer-based activities tailored to your child’s specific visual needs.
Myopia management is not a one-time solution. Children undergoing treatment should be monitored regularly to assess the progression of their myopia and adjust the management plan as needed. Our optometrists at Victoria Village Optometry use tools such as axial length measurement and corneal topography to track changes in the eyes over time.
Axial length measurement is particularly important because it allows us to detect small changes in the structure of the eye before they become apparent through prescription changes. This proactive approach supports more effective and responsive treatment plans.
As a dedicated myopia management clinic in Toronto, Victoria Village Optometry combines clinical expertise with the latest technology to deliver personalized care. Our team stays current with the latest research in myopia control to ensure the best outcomes for your child. We also take the time to educate families about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can make a difference.
We believe that communication with parents is key to success. That’s why we provide detailed follow-up reports, clearly outline treatment expectations, and ensure each child is comfortable throughout their care journey.
While professional treatment is essential, there are several things parents can do to support their child’s eye health:
Creating a home environment that supports visual development can help maximize the effectiveness of clinical myopia control treatments. Simple changes, such as organizing outdoor family activities or setting up a comfortable reading space with good lighting, can make a measurable difference.
As soon as myopia is diagnosed in a child, control measures can and should be considered. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes. Children as young as 5 or 6 can benefit from some myopia management options, depending on the treatment and individual case.
Ortho-K is generally suitable for children aged 7 and up who can follow hygiene practices and are motivated to wear lenses at night. A consultation with our optometrist will determine eligibility based on corneal health, lifestyle, and family preferences.
Low-dose atropine is usually well-tolerated. Some children may experience mild light sensitivity or difficulty with near vision, but these effects are typically minimal. Side effects are more common at higher concentrations, which are rarely used in current myopia management.
Children undergoing myopia control should be seen every 6 to 12 months, depending on the treatment type and progression rate. More frequent visits may be recommended for rapidly progressing cases. Regular follow-ups allow for early detection of changes and ensure the treatment remains effective.
Yes. If a particular treatment isn’t yielding the desired results or becomes difficult to manage, our optometrists can recommend alternative strategies. Myopia control is not a one-size-fits-all solution—treatment can be adapted as your child grows and their needs evolve.
Childhood myopia is not simply a matter of needing stronger glasses—it is a progressive condition that can have lasting consequences if left unaddressed. By understanding the risk factors and taking action early, parents can help protect their children’s vision for years to come. Through personalized treatment plans involving orthokeratology, atropine eye drops, specialized contact lenses, and supportive therapies, it is possible to slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of serious eye complications later in life.
At Victoria Village Optometry, we are dedicated to helping families make informed decisions about myopia management. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you are exploring better ways to manage existing nearsightedness, our team is here to guide you with evidence-based care and compassionate support. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the next steps in supporting your child’s visual health.
Our highly trained, compassionate team make the difference between a good and great visit. Located conveniently to serve Toronto residents, we offer hours to suit every family’s schedule.
