Myopia for Kids
Our Myopia Control program helps slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, protecting their vision today and safeguarding their eye health for the future.
For over 30 years, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis see clearly with expert care built on trust and real results. From your first consultation to post-surgery support, we’re here with personal, consistent care you can count on.
We go beyond the standard by partnering with ZEISS, a global leader in optical technology. Their advanced laser systems allow for precise, personalised treatment and consistently safe results across a wide range of vision conditions.
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Our expert team supports you through every step of your laser eye journey, from surgery to personalised aftercare. With detailed post-op checks and ongoing follow-ups, we make sure you feel confident, informed and cared for.
Protect Your Child’s Sight with our Myopia Control program.
It Starts with Small Signs
You notice your child squinting at the TV.
They sit too close to their tablet.
At school, the teacher says they’re having trouble seeing the board.
As a parent, your heart sinks. Could something be wrong with their vision?
This is often how the story of myopia (short-sightedness) begins. And while a pair of glasses might help for now, the truth is: myopia is more than just blurry vision, it’s a condition that can worsen as your child grows.
What Exactly Is Myopia?
Myopia happens when the eye grows too long, or the cornea curves too much, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. The result? Clear vision up close, but fuzzy objects in the distance.
Imagine setting up a projector: if the screen is too far away, the picture is blurry. That’s how your child’s eye is working.
And here’s what’s important for parents to know: myopia in children is becoming increasingly common worldwide, and without intervention, it usually gets worse over time.
Growing Eyes, Growing Risks
- Babies & Toddlers: Though rare, myopia can appear very young, especially if one or both parents are short-sighted. Little ones can’t always explain what’s wrong, so early checks are vital.
- School-Age Children (7–13): This is when myopia often shows up. Children may struggle at school, especially with distance tasks like reading the board.
- Teenagers: During puberty, growth spurts can accelerate myopia. Teens may become frustrated with constant prescription changes.
- Young Adults: Myopia usually stabilises around 18–21, but some continue to change. Even if your child had good vision as a teen, lifestyle habits (like too much screen time) can trigger it later.
The Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Sitting very close to screens or books
- Struggling to see the board in class
- Headaches, watery eyes, or frequent eye rubbing
- Saying things look blurry in the distance
If these sound familiar, your child may already be developing myopia.
Why Myopia Control Matters
As parents, we want our children to have every opportunity to see clearly in class, to feel confident in sport, to explore the world without limits.
But unmanaged myopia is not just about stronger glasses every year. It can:
- Progress rapidly, sometimes changing every few months
- Be up to 6x more likely if both parents are short-sighted
- Lead to serious eye health risks in adulthood (retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy)
In other words: how you respond now shapes not only your child’s vision today, but their lifelong eye health.
The Good News Is You Can Slow Myopia
You are not powerless and neither is your child.
Modern eye care offers safe, proven ways to slow myopia progression while still correcting vision:
- Myopia-control glasses
- Special soft contact lenses
- Ortho-K (overnight contact lenses)
- Low-dose atropine eye drops
Paired with small lifestyle changes, like more outdoor play and balanced screen use, these treatments help protect your child’s sight now and into adulthood.
Why Take Action Now?
- Clearer vision today, so your child can learn, play, and grow without constant prescription changes.
- Healthier eyes tomorrow by reducing their lifetime risk of serious complications.
- Peace of mind for you in knowing you’ve acted early to protect something priceless.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
Every parent understands the love behind watching a child discover the world. That’s why we’re here, to guide, support, and walk alongside you in protecting your child’s vision.
Because nothing is more precious than the way your child sees the world.
Phone: 0800 733 2020 or book online here
Important Links to “My Kids Vision”
https://www.mykidsvision.org/en-US/video-guides
Reference:
- Jones-Jordan, L. A., Sinnott, L. T., Cotter, S. A., et al. (2012). Time outdoors, visual activity, and myopia progression in juvenile-onset myopes. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 53(11), 7169–7175.
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