Dr. Tina Goodhew
Optometrist
A Growing Concern for Canadian Families
Across Canada, more children are being diagnosed with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, than ever before. In simple terms, myopia makes it difficult to see objects clearly in the distance, such as the classroom board or road signs. While glasses can correct blurry vision, many parents are unaware that myopia is not just a minor inconvenience. It is a progressive eye condition that tends to worsen as children grow.
In fact, research suggests that by 2050, nearly half of the global population could be myopic. Canadian children are increasingly affected due to lifestyle changes that include more time spent indoors and increased use of digital devices for schoolwork and leisure activities.
Why Myopia Matters Beyond Stronger Glasses
Myopia is more than simply needing stronger glasses each year. As the eye grows longer, it places stress on delicate internal structures such as the retina. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of serious eye diseases, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
Myopia management focuses on protecting your child’s long-term eye health — not just correcting blurry vision.
For this reason, eye care professionals today are shifting their focus from simply correcting myopia to actively managing its progression.
Early Detection Is Key
Many parents assume their child would complain if they could not see clearly. However, children often adapt to blurry distance vision without realizing there is a problem. Signs of myopia may include sitting too close to the TV, squinting at distant objects, frequent headaches, or holding books very close while reading.
Comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting early myopia, particularly before the age of 12 when progression tends to occur most rapidly. Annual children’s eye exams can help identify risk factors and establish a proactive management plan if needed.
Options That May Help Slow Progression
Advancements in pediatric eye care now offer strategies designed to slow myopia progression in children. These may include specially designed spectacle lenses or contact lenses, orthokeratology (overnight lenses), or low-dose atropine eye drops.
In addition, encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and take regular breaks from close-up tasks (screens) can support healthy visual development. Managing myopia early may help reduce the likelihood of higher prescriptions and future eye health concerns.
Visit your optometrist to learn more about myopia management options for your child.