Worried your child or teen’s nearsightedness is getting worse? You’re not alone. As kids enter school age years, changes in their eyes can accelerate and this does not stop in teenage years! That’s why myopia control for children and teens in Calgary is more important than ever. In this blog, we’ll explore why early treatment matters, what important risk factors change after age 12, and how Mission Eye Care’s evidence-based options can help slow the progression of myopia. Plus, we’ll share how to assess your teen’s risk using our Myopia Assessment Quiz.
Why Myopia Control Is So Important for Teens
Myopia, or nearsightedness, often begins in early childhood—and once it starts, it typically progresses. Research shows that the fastest period of growth is between ages 6 and 12. That’s why early intervention is critical: the younger a child is when myopia starts, the greater their lifetime risk of developing high myopia and associated eye diseases.
By age 12, the progression of myopia can still accelerate, especially as teens spend more time indoors on digital devices and less time outdoors. If left untreated, progressive myopia increases the risk of serious, sight-threatening conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
The good news? Myopia control for children and teens in Calgary has advanced significantly in recent years. Even for teens who already have moderate or high prescriptions, it’s never too late to slow progression and reduce long-term risks. With the right treatment plan, including specialty glasses, contact lenses, and/or low-dose atropine, you can help protect your child or teen’s eyesight for life. (Tricard et al., 2022).
What Changes After Age 12?
As your child transitions into their teenage years, the way myopia progresses and how we manage it starts to shift. Understanding these changes is key to choosing the right treatment and staying ahead of potential risks.
Puberty triggers rapid changes in body growth, including eye development. This period can also see growth spurts in the eyes.
As schoolwork becomes more demanding and screen time rises, outdoor activity often declines. Teens may also feel more resistance toward wearing glasses, making comfort and freedom a priority in treatment.
Many treatments are available, including soft multifocal lenses, orthokeratology (also known as Ortho-K), and atropine drops. These options allow for a more personalized approach, based on how quickly the myopia is progressing and your teen’s daily routine.
Evidence-Based Myopia Control Options for Children and Teens
At Mission Eye Care, the only clinic in Canada with three residency-trained optometrists in myopia control, treatments are based on the latest research and technology. Here are four options we commonly recommend:
Soft & Hybrid Multifocal Contact Lenses
These special lenses are worn during the day and help reduce the elongation of the eye by shifting focus to the peripheral retina. They are available in both daily and monthly versions.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Custom-made rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Great for active teens or those in sports.
Atropine Eye Drops
For teens who cannot tolerate contact lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops offer a non-invasive solution. They are sometimes used in conjunction with other treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Myopia Control Eyeglass Lenses
Designed specifically to slow the progression of myopia, these lenses offer a glasses-based solution for myopia control. They require expert fitting to ensure effectiveness.
Take the First Step: Try the Myopia Quiz
Want to understand your teen’s risk? Try our quick Myopia Risk Assessment Quiz. It only takes a minute and provides helpful insights you can bring to your next eye exam.
Why Choose Mission Eye Care for Myopia Control?
- Only clinic in Canada with 3 residency-trained Optometrists in myopia control
- Access to the latest myopia control treatments and technology
- Personalized treatment plans with annual report cards to track progress
- Trusted by Calgary families for comprehensive, compassionate care
Final Thoughts on Myopia Control for Children and Teens in Calgary
No matter what age or amount of prescription they already have, do not wait to address myopia with therapies to control it. Every amount of myopic progression we can save matters (Bullimore & Brennan, 2019). The earlier we begin treatment, the better the long-term outcomes will be. Myopia control for children and teens in Calgary can make a real difference in protecting their sight well into adulthood. While progression may slow during adolescence, 22.1% of teens aged 13–15 are still considered “fast progressors,” especially if they had higher prescriptions earlier in life (Tricard et al., 2022).
Ready to learn more? Book your child or teen’s myopia consultation today and visit our Myopia Control page to get started.
Dr. Sheila Morrison, Optometrist (MS, FAAO, FSLS, FCCSO)
Dr. Sheila Morrison is a private practice clinician at Mission Eye Care in Calgary, and internationally respected educator. She has a research focus on scleral contact lenses and myopia management including orthokeratology.
References
Bullimore MA, Brennan NA. Myopia Control: Why Each Diopter Matters. Optom Vis Sci. 2019 Jun;96(6):463-465. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001367. PMID: 31116165
Tricard, D., Marillet, S., Ingrand, P., Bullimore, M. A., Bourne, R. R. A., & Leveziel, N. (2022). Progression of myopia in children and teenagers: A nationwide longitudinal study. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0272721. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272721
