Should my myopic child wear glasses while reading or try progressive lenses?
MAY 05, 2023
Question:
Should my 10-year-old with worsening myopia (-2.25 diopter) wear glasses while reading as well or use progressive glasses?
Answer:
Controlling myopia progression in preschool and school-aged children has been a heavily researched topic for many years. Both of the approaches you mentioned have been widely used but their value is uncertain. Low-dose atropine eye drops—popularized in East Asia for myopia control—are being studied in the US, Europe, and Australia. They are available by prescription at specialized pharmacies. In addition there is one FDA-approved contact lens that slows progression of myopia in children.
It would be a good idea to speak with your child's ophthalmologist about these therapies.