Myopia in babies & toddlers.
While myopia typically starts to develop between the ages of 7 and 13, it can be present and diagnosed in much younger children. This early-onset myopia may be hereditary, meaning that if one or both parents are myopic, there’s a higher chance that the child will be, too.
Let’s take a look at how to recognise myopia in babies & toddlers, what to do if you suspect your child is myopic, and age-appropriate methods of managing the condition.
Symptoms of myopia in babies & toddlers.
Very young children with myopia often don’t know that there is something wrong with their eyesight, or lack the communication skills to explain vision problems to their parents. It’s therefore important to pay close attention to your child in their early years, and watch out for signs of myopia.
Some of the common symptoms of myopia in babies and toddlers include:
- Holding objects close to their face
- Sitting very close to screens
- Showing little interest in or recognition of objects in the distance
- Squinting or closing one eye to see better
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excess blinking
- Watery eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with an eye care professional.
Managing myopia in babies & toddlers.
As their eyes are still growing, myopia develops quickly in babies and toddlers, so timely diagnosis and management is important to slow the progression of the condition.
Young children may not be able to explain any problems with their vision, so it’s important to ensure that their eyes are regularly examined by an eye care professional for signs of myopia and other eye health concerns. Limiting screen time and encouraging time outdoors can also help to slow the progression of myopia in young children.
Babies and toddlers with myopia are usually prescribed glasses, as applying and removing contact lenses is often not feasible for young children. While some babies and toddlers with very high prescriptions do wear contact lenses under close parental supervision, contact lens wear is more commonly considered once a child reaches school age. Plastic frames with flexible spring hinges and elastic straps are useful to keep the spectacles in position and prevent damage from clumsy hands.
Age-specific content for babies and toddlers with myopia.
Take a look at the blogs below for further information about myopia in babies and toddlers, or head to our knowledge centre for more insights and support.
Why the iPhone and iPad ‘Screen Distance’ setting should be enabled for children
We explain why enabling Apple's ‘Screen Distance’ setting may be beneficial for your child and how this setting could protect against myopia.
Progressive myopia in young adults and how to manage it
Young adults with myopia is corrected by glasses or contact lenses. There is limited evidence to slow myopia in adulthood.
Progressive myopia in children and how to manage it
Progressive myopia in children is a global epidemic. It’s important to treat progressive myopia as early as possible, to protect eye health and preserve vision.
The cost and benefits of myopia management
Although it requires some upfront investment, myopia management offers long-lasting value for your child.
The different professions involved in eye care
Different professions are involved in eye care, which alongside contrasting scope of practice leads to differences in how eye care is accessed around the world.
CooperVision MiSight 1 day contact lenses: parents' guide
We look at MiSight® 1 day daily disposable contact lenses, how they work and if they might be suitable for your child.
HOYA MiYOSMART glasses lenses: parents' guide
MiYOSMART lenses work to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers. Find out whether they are a suitable treatment option for your child.
SightGlass Vision DOT lenses: parents' guide
We explain how SightGlass Vision DOT™ lenses work to slow myopia progression in children, how they work, and when they could be a suitable treatment option.
Essilor Stellest glasses lenses: parents' guide
We explain how Essilor® Stellest® glasses lenses work to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers, and when they could be a suitable treatment option.