Why Myopia in Kids Is Rising — And How Lenses Can Help

29.10.25 07:09 AM - By German Lenses

Why Myopia in Kids Is Rising — And How Lenses Can Help

Introduction

Myopia (nearsightedness) in children is rising worldwide — a public-health trend parents and eye-care professionals cannot ignore. Recent analyses show a steady increase in myopia prevalence and projections indicate the problem will grow unless we act on prevention and proven interventions. Early detection and evidence-based myopia-control strategies can reduce long-term risks (higher myopia raises lifetime risk of retinal problems).

This article explains why childhood myopia is rising, what the evidence says about reducing risk, and how modern lens options can play a meaningful role in slowing progression.

Why myopia is increasing in children

Several factors combine to drive rising childhood myopia:

Less time outdoors / more indoor life. Multiple studies and meta-analyses show increased outdoor time reduces the onset of myopia in children; reduced outdoor exposure (and more near work or screen time) is linked to higher incidence. Encouraging outdoor play is an important preventive measure.
Educational and near-work demands. Intensive near tasks (long periods reading, screens at close distance) are associated with higher myopia rates. Lockdown periods during the COVID pandemic also appear to have accelerated myopia onset in some regions.
Population trends and projections. Large meta-analyses and modelling projects show global myopia prevalence has increased substantially since 1990 and is projected to keep rising through mid-century.

Why slowing myopia progression matters

Higher degrees of myopia (high myopia) are associated with an increased lifetime risk of sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and glaucoma. Therefore, slowing axial eye growth in childhood is not merely about reducing prescription strength now — it’s about lowering long-term ocular risk.

Evidence-based measures that help (summary)

1. Increase outdoor time

Randomized and observational studies show more time outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia. Programs that add regular outdoor periods in school or daily life are among the simplest, lowest-cost public-health approaches. Note: evidence suggests outdoor time is stronger at preventing onset than reversing established myopia, but it is still recommended for overall eye health.

2. Optical interventions (spectacles, contact lenses, orthokeratology)

There is now solid clinical evidence that specific optical designs can slow myopia progression in children:

Defocus-modifying spectacle lenses (DIMS / multifocal-defocus designs): Double-masked randomized trials have shown specially designed spectacle lenses that create peripheral myopic defocus can reduce myopia progression and axial elongation compared with standard single-vision spectacles. These lenses are a practical, spectacle-based option for many children.
Orthokeratology (ortho-K): Overnight rigid contact lenses reshape the cornea temporarily and have been shown in multiple meta-analyses and RCTs to slow axial elongation in children. Ortho-K requires careful monitoring by an experienced contact-lens practitioner and has specific hygiene and fit considerations.
Soft myopia-control contact lenses: Certain daily-wear soft contact lenses engineered to impose peripheral defocus or concentric treatment zones also show efficacy in randomized trials. These are an option for older children who can handle contact-lens care.

3. Emerging and adjunctive treatments

Other approaches such as low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) and low-dose atropine eye drops have research support in specific contexts; however, these are medical treatments or devices that require specialist oversight and are not first-line spectacle options. Consult an eye-care specialist to discuss suitability.

How lenses from credible suppliers can help — practical guide for parents

Early assessment is essential. Get baseline eye exams for children by age 6 (or sooner if symptoms appear). If myopia is detected, measure axial length when possible — it helps monitor progression.
If myopia is starting: discuss evidence-based spectacle options with your optician. Modern myopia-control spectacle lenses (defocus-incorporated designs) can be prescribed like regular glasses but are designed specifically to slow axial elongation. Clinical trials demonstrate measurable slowing over 1–2 years.
If progression is rapid: multi-modal approaches are common — combining optical strategies (e.g., myopia-control spectacles or contact lenses) with lifestyle changes such as increased outdoor time. For some children, ortho-K or medically supervised atropine may be appropriate; these require specialist referrals and ongoing follow-up.
Choose quality products and trained practitioners. Myopia-control lenses must be fitted and prescribed correctly. Work with an optometrist or ophthalmologist experienced in myopia management. Ask about clinical evidence for the specific lens design offered.
Regular follow-up. Typical follow-up intervals are every 3–6 months in growing children to monitor refractive change and axial length; treatment plans should be adjusted based on progression rate.

What parents can do today (practical checklist)

Schedule an eye exam if you suspect blurry distance vision, squinting, headaches, or if a school screening suggested myopia.
Encourage at least 1–2 hours of safe outdoor play daily (school programs and weekend play both help).
Limit prolonged near-work without breaks (follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
If myopia is diagnosed, discuss myopia-control lens options (specialized spectacle designs, ortho-K, or soft myopia-control contact lenses) with your eye-care professional.

Safety and realistic expectations

No single treatment completely stops myopia progression. Interventions typically slow progression (often measured in reduced diopter change and slower axial elongation) rather than reverse it. Effect sizes vary by treatment and by individual child; therefore, tailor the plan with your practitioner, and expect to review progress regularly.

How German Lenses can support families and practitioners

At German Lenses we design and offer spectacle lens options informed by the latest optical research and clinical evidence. If you are an optician or parent interested in clinically supported myopia-control spectacle options, contact our team to learn about product specifications, clinical data, and partner optician programs.

Contact: info@germanlenses.com

Why Myopia in Kids Is Rising — And How Lenses Can Help