What Usually Causes a Child’s Myopia to Get Worse?

Myopia or nearsightedness occurs when the eye elongates excessively from front to back. This condition typically occurs in childhood and is one of the most common reasons kids have to wear eyeglasses. Your children can inherit it from you, and the condition can worsen as they get older. 

Here’s what usually causes myopia to progress. 

Eye Growth

As your children grow, their eyes change in shape, which can cause myopia to get worse. This eye condition typically progresses through the teenage years. Your eye usually stops growing when you reach 20. 

Genetics

If your parents are nearsighted, you are more likely to develop myopia. It means that you can also pass this eye condition to your child. Regular eye exam appointments can help with the early detection of myopia and ensure your child continues to perform well in school.

Wearing Eyeglasses for Too Long

A child with low myopia should only wear their prescription glasses for certain activities, such as using the computer, watching television or playing sports. Kids don’t need glasses when writing, reading or doing other near-vision tasks. However, it’s inevitable for children with high to moderate myopia to wear glasses throughout the day.

Using Glasses With Full Correction

Another thing that can cause the progression of myopia is wearing glasses with full correction. Eye doctors don’t usually prescribe full correction to children since it can contribute to myopia’s progression. Under correction might also give young ones clearer vision. For instance, if your child has a refractive error of -2.5 diopter, your doctor might prescribe lenses of -2.25 or -2.0 diopter. 

While myopia is irreversible, it can be corrected and treated through eyeglasses or contact lenses. At Vienna Eyecare Center, we are here to help with your vision and eye health needs. Call us at (703) 938-7633, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.