Myopia most often appears during the school years and increases as the eye grows. It generally stabilises between ages 20 and 25. The earlier it starts, the more time it has to progress: this is why efforts are now made to slow it in children.
Key points
- Myopia progresses mainly between about 6 and 16 years of age.
- Myopia control options exist for children; they are discussed with the ophthalmologist.
- High myopia (beyond -6 D) carries more retinal complications.
- Regular retinal check-ups remain useful in high myopia, whether operated or not.
Progression linked to growth
In children, the eye grows. When it lengthens too much, myopia increases, sometimes by several dioptres in a few years. Progression slows at the end of adolescence and myopia usually stabilises in early adulthood. This stability, confirmed over at least one year, is a requirement before any refractive surgery.
Slowing myopia in children
Beyond standard glasses, which correct vision without slowing progression, several approaches have shown a slowing effect in studies:
- special spectacle lenses designed for myopia control;
- special soft contact lenses;
- orthokeratology: rigid lenses worn at night that temporarily reshape the cornea;
- other treatments prescribed by the ophthalmologist depending on age and progression;
- and, for everyone, more time outdoors.
Effectiveness varies from one child to another; the choice is made with the ophthalmologist, with monitoring of refraction and, if possible, eye length.
Good to know
Refractive surgery corrects vision but does not shorten the eye: a highly myopic person who has had surgery keeps the same retina, and therefore still benefits from regular retinal examinations.
High myopia
Beyond -6 dioptres, the eye is clearly longer and the retina more stretched. The risk of certain complications increases with the degree of myopia: retinal detachment, damage to the macula (myopic maculopathy), glaucoma, earlier cataract. These complications remain uncommon, but justify a regular fundus examination by your ophthalmologist.
For correction, high myopia requires a specific assessment: depending on corneal thickness, laser or an implant may be considered. See High myopia: laser surgery beyond -6 dioptres?
And after 40?
Myopia usually remains stable in adulthood. Around 45, presbyopia appears and affects near vision; short-sighted people often notice it later, as they can read without glasses. Later on, a cataract can change the myopia.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Most often between 20 and 25, sometimes later. Stability is confirmed by comparing measurements over at least one year.
No. Appropriate correction does not make myopia progress; conversely, under-correction is not recommended to slow it.
No, refractive surgery is not offered to children, whose myopia is still changing. It can be considered from age 18, once vision is stable.
This general information does not replace a consultation: only an eye examination can establish a diagnosis and discuss a suitable treatment.