Your child's power keeps going up: what can slow it down
Short sight (myopia, minus power) in children has risen sharply, especially since more time moved indoors and onto screens. Glasses correct the blur but don't stop the power rising. Myopia control aims to slow that rise, because high myopia later in life brings a higher risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular problems.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ananyabrata Das, MBBS, DOUpdated 24 October 2026
Signs your child may be short-sighted
- Sitting close to the TV or holding the phone very near
- Squinting at the board, or copying from a friend's notebook
- Headaches or eye rubbing after school
- A parent who is short-sighted
What slows myopia
- Outdoor time: about two hours a day in daylight is one of the best-supported measures, and free
- Screen and near-work habits: breaks every 20–30 minutes, books and screens held at least an arm's length, good light
- Low-dose atropine eye drops at bedtime, in children whose power is rising
- Myopia-control spectacle lenses (defocus designs), which look like normal glasses
- Special contact lenses for some older children
Which mix suits your child is decided after a dilated eye test, measuring how fast the power is changing. Some centres also measure the eye's length to track progress.
How often to check
Every six months while the power is rising. Children also need a check for lazy eye and squint. See children's eye care.
Book an examination with Dr. Das at Spectra Eye Hospital, Chinar Park (open daily, 9 am – 8 pm): call +91 98308 73460 or book online.
Questions
Can my child's power be reduced?
Myopia can't be reversed in children, but its rise can often be slowed significantly.
Do glasses make myopia worse?
No. Under-correcting or avoiding glasses does not slow myopia and makes school harder.
Is low-dose atropine safe?
At the low doses used for myopia control, side effects are usually mild, such as slight light sensitivity. Your doctor will monitor it.