Pediatric Myopia Clinic

Myopia, also known as near- or shortsightedness, is a common condition in children that affects distance and intermediate vision. The number of pediatric cases is on the rise.

Myopia can be compensated for by prescription glasses. However, onset in early childhood can progress to high levels, which poses a serious risk for lifelong vision impairment and blindness. Myopia can impact health and quality of life substantially, and should not be ignored.

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Pediatric Myopia Clinic, our main goal is to slow down myopia progression through evidence-based treatment. Myopia progresses most rapidly throughout childhood and the early teenage years, but early detection and intervention can decrease the risks and burden of high myopia (a higher degree of shortsightedness than average).

What we treat

• Childhood-onset myopia.

Diagnosis of Pediatric Myopia

Myopia is a common refractive disorder and is typically related to an abnormally long eye. Light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. This leads to blurry distance and intermediate vision. Myopia in children can be very easily diagnosed with a simple eye exam or vision screening.

Treatment of Pediatric Myopia

Once pediatric myopia has been diagnosed, it can be compensated for with prescription glasses. In addition, lifestyle modifications are important to reduce the risk of progression, such as decreasing screen time as much as possible. If myopia continues to progress, we treat it with evidence-based approaches. This may include a pharmacological option or therapeutic contact lenses, or in some cases, a combination of both.

Treating myopia progression needs commitment on the part of the parents and their children, but the outcome is very rewarding. Book an appointment with one of our pediatric myopia experts now.