What Is the Best Age to Start Myopia Management?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children - and it can progress quickly as they grow. While glasses can help your child see clearly, they don’t slow down the worsening of the condition. That’s where myopia management comes in. Many parents ask us: When should we start? The truth is, early action can make a lifelong difference.
 

Understanding Myopia in Children

Myopia typically develops during childhood, often between the ages of 6 and 12. Children with myopia struggle to clearly see objects at a distance, such as the board at school or road signs while riding in the car. If the condition progresses unchecked, the elongation of the eye can lead to complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration later in life.
 

Early Detection Is Key

The ideal age to start myopia management is as soon as the first signs of nearsightedness are detected. Because children’s eyes grow rapidly, early intervention offers the best chance of slowing progression.

Routine eye exams can catch early changes in vision - even before a child notices symptoms. Our eye doctors in Marlboro, NJ recommend that children receive comprehensive eye exams by age 5 and annually thereafter to closely monitor visual development.
 

Signs It’s Time for Myopia Management

Parents should watch for:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting very close to the TV or holding screens too close

• Frequent complaints of blurry distance vision

• Eye rubbing or headaches after visual tasks

If any of these behaviors appear, it’s time for a thorough evaluation.
 

What Myopia Management Options Are Available?

At Marlboro Family Eye Care, we offer personalized treatment plans using the most effective myopia control technologies, such as:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses

• Soft myopia-control contact lenses

• Low-dose atropine eye drops

These approaches are designed to slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health.
 

Why Starting Early Matters

Because myopia tends to worsen every year during childhood growth, delaying treatment can lead to higher prescriptions and increased eye health risks. Starting early can make a significant difference in your child’s visual future.
 

Partner with Marlboro Family Eye Care for Expert Myopia Care

The best age to start myopia management is as early as possible once nearsightedness begins. With proactive care and the right treatment plan, you can help safeguard your child’s sight for years to come.

If you’re concerned that your child may be developing nearsightedness, contact Marlboro Family Eye Care to learn more about myopia management options. Visit our office in Marlboro, New Jersey, or call (732) 252-6555 to book an appointment today.