More and more children are becoming myopic, and at an earlier age. With screens, new treatments, and the ‘miracle solutions’ seen in the press, how can we make sense of it all? Here is the state of knowledge.
Why does myopia progress in children?
A short-sighted eye is too long, so images focus in front of the retina. The eye lengthens as a child grows, which is why myopia worsens mainly between the ages of 6 and 16. The earlier it starts, the more likely it is to become severe. High myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and maculopathy in adulthood.
What is well established: daylight
Spending time outdoors is the most documented preventive measure. International expert recommendations (IMI) also emphasise reducing prolonged near work, without the causality of screens being as simple as public discourse suggests.
Low-dose atropine
Very diluted atropine eye drops (for example 0.01% or 0.02%) are being studied to slow the progression. A phase 3 trial concludes that low concentrations are well tolerated (light sensitivity, slightly blurred near vision). But the Cochrane review considers the effect of low doses still uncertain. In France, this eye drop is not authorised for marketing and is only dispensed in a few hospital pharmacies, on prescription.
Low-intensity red light
This technique, which involves looking at a red light for a few minutes twice a day, has shown in short-term studies, mostly Chinese, a marked slowing of eye elongation. But:
- the Cochrane review experts judge these results very uncertain;
- the IMI raises safety concerns: decreased density of foveal cones observed in some studies, and a case of a child with bilateral vision loss after five months of treatment;
- long-term efficacy and safety are not established, and the devices sold to the public are not all controlled.
Special lenses and glasses
Some glasses and contact lenses designed to slow myopia (peripheral defocus) have moderate evidence of effectiveness, with less uncertainty about safety. The choice should be personalised (contactology).
What to do concretely?
- Early detection: a child who squints, moves closer to the board or has headaches deserves an examination.
- Prioritise the outdoors and regular breaks from near vision.
- Do not buy a red-light device without professional advice. Make the decision with an ophthalmologist (see paediatric ophthalmology).
- Regularly monitor eye length and refraction.
Sources
- Cochrane – Interventions visant à ralentir la progression de la myopie chez les enfants
- Vidal – Les mesures de prévention et de freination de la myopie
- International Myopia Institute – Interventions pour contrôler l’apparition et la progression de la myopie (2025)
- Pourquoi Docteur – Des gouttes oculaires pour ralentir la myopie des enfants
Your ophthalmologist answers your questions during the consultation. For a sudden symptom or sudden loss of vision, seek advice promptly: see the eye emergencies page.