Myopia is becoming increasingly common in both children and adults. While glasses or contact lenses may correct blurry distance vision, myopia is not a condition that should be ignored once vision is “clear.” Regular monitoring is essential to protect long-term eye health - especially for children whose eyes are still developing.

Why Monitoring Myopia Is So Important

Myopia typically progresses over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence. As the eye continues to grow, vision can worsen if changes are not carefully tracked. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

Routine monitoring allows your eye doctor to:

• Detect changes in prescription early

• Track eye growth and visual development

• Adjust treatment plans as needed

• Identify signs of rapid progression

Myopia management focuses on more than just improving vision - it’s about preserving eye health for the long term.

How Often Should Children with Myopia Be Seen?

For children diagnosed with myopia, eye exams are typically recommended every 6 months. Children’s eyes can change quickly, and even small increases in prescription may signal faster progression.

More frequent visits allow your eye care provider to:

• Measure changes in vision and eye length

• Evaluate how well myopia management strategies are working

• Modify treatment if progression is not adequately controlled

Early and consistent monitoring is especially critical during the school-age years, when myopia often advances most rapidly.

Monitoring Myopia in Teens and Young Adults

Teenagers and young adults should generally have their myopia monitored at least once a year, though more frequent visits may be recommended if progression is ongoing. Growth spurts, increased screen time, and academic demands can all influence visual changes during this stage of life.

If a patient is participating in a myopia management program, follow-up schedules may be customized to ensure treatment remains effective.

What About Adults with Myopia?

While myopia progression often slows or stabilizes in adulthood, regular eye exams remain important. Adults with myopia should typically be evaluated once a year to:

• Ensure prescriptions remain accurate

• Monitor eye health and retinal changes

• Screen for conditions linked to higher myopia levels

Adults with moderate to high myopia may require closer monitoring to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

The Role of Myopia Management

Myopia management goes beyond traditional glasses or contacts. It involves evidence-based strategies designed to slow myopia progression, particularly in children. Ongoing monitoring is a key component of these programs, as it allows your eye doctor to assess effectiveness and make timely adjustments. Consistent follow-up visits ensure that treatment is proactive rather than reactive - helping protect vision not just today, but decades into the future.

Plan Ahead for Long-Term Eye Health

Myopia is a progressive condition that deserves regular attention, not just occasional checkups. With the right schedule and a personalized myopia management approach, it’s possible to slow progression and safeguard long-term eye health.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Federal Hill Eye Care to discuss monitoring schedules and myopia management options tailored to your child’s visual needs. Visit our office in Baltimore, Maryland, or call (410) 752-8208 to book an appointment today.