What Is Myopia?
Myopia happens when the eyeball grows slightly too long or the cornea is too curved. Light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects look blurry while close-up objects remain clear.
Children with myopia can usually read books and use phones without difficulty — which is exactly why it often goes undetected until a routine eye test.
7 Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
1. Squinting to see the board at school
If your child is squinting, leaning forward, or asking to sit closer to the front of the class, blurry distance vision is likely the cause.
2. Sitting too close to the TV
Holding screens very close — whether a TV, tablet, or phone — is a classic sign that your child cannot see clearly from a normal distance.
3. Frequent headaches or eye strain
When eyes work extra hard to compensate for poor vision, it causes fatigue and headaches, especially after school or screen time.
4. Rubbing eyes repeatedly
Persistent eye rubbing (not related to allergies) can indicate visual strain.
5. Losing interest in outdoor activities or sports
Children who struggle to track a ball or see clearly at a distance may start avoiding sports or outdoor play.
6. Holding books very close
While myopia makes close vision clear, children often still hold reading material unusually close out of habit.
7. Complaints of blurry vision
The simplest sign — if your child tells you things look blurry, believe them and book an eye test.
Why Early Detection Matters
The earlier myopia is identified and managed, the better the long-term outcome. Here's why:
- Myopia progresses fastest between ages 6–14. Catching it early means more time to slow progression.
- High myopia (above -6.00 diopters) carries serious risks later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- Modern treatments can slow progression by 50–60%, dramatically reducing the final prescription your child will carry into adulthood.
Myopia Management Options at Eye Q
At Eye Q in Koramangala, Bangalore, we offer a full range of evidence-based myopia management treatments tailored to your child's age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Custom contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea. Your child wakes up with clear vision all day — no glasses or daytime lenses needed. Ortho-K also actively slows myopia progression.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Specially designed soft lenses that correct current vision while reducing the eye's stimulus to keep growing longer. A great option for children who prefer contacts over glasses.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
A nightly eye drop treatment proven in multiple clinical trials to slow myopia progression by up to 50%. Simple, non-invasive, and suitable for most children.
Regular Monitoring
All our myopia management patients receive scheduled check-ups every 3–6 months to track axial length, adjust treatment, and ensure the best possible outcome.
How Often Should Children Get Eye Tests?
| Age | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Once, around age 3–4 |
| 5–18 (no myopia) | Every 1–2 years |
| 5–18 (myopic) | Every 6 months |
Note: Many schools do not include proper vision screening in health check-ups. A dedicated eye test at a qualified optometrist is the only reliable way to detect myopia.
When to Book an Appointment
Book an eye test for your child if:
- They haven't had an eye test in the past year
- You notice any of the 7 signs listed above
- There is a family history of myopia (myopia has a strong genetic component)
- Your child's teacher has raised concerns about their ability to see the board
Book a Myopia Check-Up in Koramangala, Bangalore
Eye Q is Koramangala's dedicated eye clinic and optical store. Our experienced optometrists use state-of-the-art equipment to assess your child's vision and recommend the right treatment plan.
📍 Block 3, 154, 8th Main Road, Koramangala, Bengaluru
📞 +91 99720 53909
📧 koramangala.store@eyeq.biz