Myopia Management in Children: When Is Treatment Needed?
Myopia management in children focuses on slowing axial eye growth (axial elongation) to reduce long-term risks. Treatment may include behavioural strategies, atropine drops, or specialised glasses, depending on progression.
Introduction
If your child has myopia, the most important question is not just: “Do they need glasses?”
It is: “Is their myopia progressing, and do they need treatment to slow it?”
First Step: Do you need treatment?
Not every child requires active treatment.
Treatment is considered when:
- prescription is increasing
- axial length is progressing
- myopia starts at a young age
- risk of high myopia is significant
Learn how myopia is assessed in children.
Foundation of Management – Outdoor Light Exposure
The strongest evidence-based intervention is: increased outdoor light exposure.
Research shows this reduces the risk of myopia onset and slows progression. Myopia progression is greater in winter compared with summer.
Supported by large-scale studies and population data
Why Light Matters
High-lux light exposure:
- regulates eye growth
- reduces axial elongation
- provides a protective effect against progression
UV Protection
Outdoor light is protective — but: UV exposure can cause long-term damage
Use:
- sunglasses
- hats
High lux light is beneficial — UV should still be managed
Second Step: When treatment is needed
If progression continues despite behavioural measures, treatment may be recommended.
Atropine Eye Drops
- low-dose therapy
- reduces rate of progression
- used in selected cases
Myopia Control Glasses
- specialised optical designs
- alter retinal focus
- reduce stimulus for eye growth
Explore new myopia treatments
Third Step: Long-term Management
Myopia management is not a one-off treatment.
It requires:
- ongoing monitoring
- adjustment of treatment
- careful timing of changes
Important: Rebound Risk
Stopping treatment too early may result in worsening myopia.
Learn about myopia rebound
Role Of Dr Shanel Sharma
Dr Shanel Sharma is a specialist in paediatric ophthalmology and myopia management.
Her focus is:
- slowing axial length progression
- identifying children at risk
- tailoring treatment to the individual
The goal is long-term stabilisation of eye growth
Long-Term Outcome
The aim of myopia management is to:
- reduce final prescription
- reduce lifetime risk
- improve long-term visual outcomes
Children who achieve stability later have more options.
Read about myopia in adults
Once stable: Explore myopia and vision correction
Concerned About Myopia Progression?
If your child’s prescription is increasing, early management is important.
Book a myopia management consultation
Eye and Laser Surgeons — Bondi Junction & Miranda
