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IN THIS SECTION: What Is Myopia? Why Children Develop Myopia Myopia Control Treatments Myopia and Long-Term Eye Health Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is myopia?

Myopia (short-sightedness) is when the eye grows slightly too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. The result: distant objects appear blurry while close ones are clear.

Q: What age does myopia usually start?

Myopia most commonly starts between the ages of 6 and 14, during school years. The earlier it starts, the faster it tends to progress. It usually stabilises in the late teens or early twenties.

Q: Is myopia hereditary?

Yes — strongly. If one parent is myopic, the child’s risk is about 3 times higher than average. If both parents are myopic, the risk is about 6 times higher. However, lifestyle factors (outdoor time, screen use) play a large role too.

Q: Can myopia be cured?

Myopia cannot be cured in the traditional sense, but it can be corrected (with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery in adults) and its progression can be slowed in children with myopia control treatments.

Q: Does wearing glasses make myopia worse?

No — this is a common myth. Wearing the correct glasses prescription does not worsen myopia. In fact, wearing an incorrect or too-weak prescription may be harmful. Always wear the full prescribed correction.

Q: What are the best treatments to slow myopia in children?

The most evidence-based options are: (1) Low-dose atropine eye drops (0.01%-0.05%), which reduce progression by 50-77%; (2) Orthokeratology (night lenses); (3) Multifocal contact lenses; and (4) Increased outdoor time (1-2 hours per day). A specialist will recommend the best combination for your child.

Q: What is atropine and is it safe for children?

Atropine is a medication that has been used safely in eye care for over 150 years. In the very low concentrations used for myopia control (0.01%-0.05%), side effects are minimal. The child may experience mild light sensitivity. It is prescribed as a single drop at bedtime.

Q: How long does my child need to use atropine?

Usually 2 years initially. The eye doctor will review progress every 6 months. Treatment may be continued if the myopia is still progressing. When atropine is stopped, there is sometimes a temporary rebound increase in progression, which the doctor will monitor.

Q: What is high myopia and why is it dangerous?

High myopia is a prescription stronger than -6.00 dioptres. It means the eye is significantly elongated, which stretches and thins the retina and other structures. This increases the risk of retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and early cataract — conditions that can cause permanent vision loss.

Q: How often should someone with high myopia see a doctor?

At least once a year for a full retinal examination with dilation, OCT scan, and eye pressure measurement. More frequently (every 6 months) if you have already shown any retinal changes. Do not wait — many myopia complications cause no pain or early warning symptoms.

Q: What is Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD)?

MMD occurs when the stretched, elongated retina in high myopia starts to thin and degenerate, particularly at the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. In serious cases, abnormal blood vessels grow and can bleed, causing sudden loss of central vision. MMD is now one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Q: What are the warning signs of a retinal problem?

See an eye doctor urgently if you notice: sudden new floaters (black spots or cobwebs in your vision), flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow appearing in any part of your vision. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment — a medical emergency.

Q: Can myopia be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent it, especially if it is genetic. However, increasing outdoor time to 1-2 hours per day during childhood has been shown to significantly reduce the chance of developing myopia. Starting myopia control treatment early in children who do develop it helps limit how high the myopia ultimately becomes.

Q: Does screen time cause myopia?

Excessive screen time has been associated with higher myopia rates, but it is not just the screens themselves — it is the near-working distance and the time spent indoors. The key is to balance near work with outdoor time and take regular breaks.

Q: Can adults develop myopia?

Myopia can occasionally begin in adults (called adult-onset myopia), often associated with sustained near work. However, it is usually milder and progresses more slowly than childhood-onset myopia.

Q: Can laser surgery cure myopia?

Laser surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK) can permanently correct myopia in adults, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. However, it reshapes the cornea — it does not change the underlying length of the eye. The long-term risks of high myopia (retinal disease, glaucoma) remain even after laser surgery.

Q: What is the 20-20-20 rule?

Every 20 minutes of near work (reading, screens), look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing muscles of the eye and reduces eye strain. It is a helpful habit but does not replace outdoor time or myopia control treatments.

Q: Can myopia affect my child’s school performance?

Yes — uncorrected myopia can make it very difficult to see the classroom board, affecting learning and confidence. If your child is squinting, sitting at the front of the class, or complaining of headaches, have their eyes checked promptly.

Q: At what age can children start wearing contact lenses?

Most children can start wearing contact lenses from around 10-12 years old, provided they are mature enough to care for them properly. Some specialised lenses (ortho-k) may be started earlier. Your eye doctor will advise based on your child’s individual readiness.

Q: Does Suraj Eye Institute offer myopia control programmes?

Yes. We offer comprehensive myopia management for children and monitoring programmes for adults with high myopia. Our team includes paediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, and retinal specialists who work together to give your child — or you — the best possible care.