Growing Eyes: Protecting Children’s Vision Health

Growing Eyes is a new local, optometrist-led nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of myopia’s impact on children’s vision and eye health, and how we can slow its progression.

Myopia and How to Slow It

Myopia (or nearsightedness) is an increasingly common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close ones are clear. Myopia often starts in elementary school and tends to progress as the child grows, stabilizing in the late teens or early adulthood. Children with myopia may struggle to see the board in class and often avoid participating in school or sports, which can affect their learning and social interactions. Individuals often squint to try to see distant targets more clearly which can cause headaches and fatigue.

Over the years, eye care providers and researchers have noticed more children becoming myopic, often earlier in life than their parents. A recent study estimated that 41% of children in the US are myopic, almost doubling in three decades. The change is happening because our world is becoming increasingly digital and screen-driven.

Because of this, younger children’s prescriptions often change more rapidly. Unfortunately, they will end up with a higher prescription as adults—increasing their risk for certain eye conditions and dependence on glasses or contacts.

Myopia is commonly corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery (in adults). Fortunately, there are methods available to slow future prescription changes by half! Using specialized contact lenses or compounded eye drops, eye care providers can slow myopia’s progression. Sadly, these treatments are often not well covered by vision insurance, leaving families burdened with the cost of their child’s deteriorating vision.

How to Avoid the Onset of Myopia

There are simple ways to prevent becoming myopic! Research shows that spending at least two hours outside daily is the best way to prevent nearsightedness.

When indoors and using devices or reading a book, it is important to take routine breaks and hold reading material at a forearm’s distance to reduce strain. It is best to limit a child’s screen time, not exceeding two hours per day.

Regular eye exams can evaluate a child’s risk for myopia and ensure their eyes are performing at their appropriate levels.

How Growing Eyes Helps

Our goal is to provide families with tools to fully protect their children’s vision. We do this by connecting families with eye care providers that offer full myopia management.

We also provide financial assistance to families in need of myopia management but unable to afford it. If you need help, please fill out our referral form on our website to request a financial assistance application.

Visit GrowingEyes.org to learn more about myopia, our mission, our interview with Everyday Northwest, and how you can support our cause.