What Parents Should Ask When Their Child’s Prescription Keeps Increasing
When faster isn’t better
A child whose prescription worsens > 1 diopter per year may have rapidly progressing myopia. Research shows each additional 1 mm of axial elongation increases the risk of retinal detachment by ~40 % (PMC 10442101).
1️⃣ Ask for axial length measurement
Axial length tells us how the eye is actually growing. Not all practices measure it—yet it’s the most accurate indicator of risk. Tracking it every 6–12 months allows timely intervention.
2️⃣ Ask about management options beyond glasses
Modern research supports Ortho-K, Stellest, and low-dose atropine as effective interventions (BMC Ophthalmology 2023). Discuss which fits your child’s lifestyle and risk factors.
3️⃣ Ask about lifestyle habits
Outdoor play reduces myopia onset by up to 50 %. The AAO recommends at least 90 minutes/day outside and regular breaks from screens (AAO 2024).
4️⃣ Ask how often to follow up
Monitoring every 6 months with axial length and prescription checks is ideal. Adjust therapy if growth exceeds 0.2–0.3 mm per year.
5️⃣ Ask what happens after treatment stops
Some therapies show a rebound effect. For example, higher-dose atropine may cause faster catch-up growth once discontinued (Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024).
Partnering with your eye-care team
Bring your child’s glasses history to each visit. Discuss compliance and school-screen time. Ask the office whether axial length data are trending in the desired direction.
At Advanced Eyecare of New Jersey, our team provides detailed growth reports and adjusts plans based on real-time metrics.
The bottom line
Myopia control works best when parents and providers collaborate. Early detection and consistent follow-up can dramatically reduce risk.
Schedule your child’s Myopia Management visit today at any Advanced Eyecare of New Jersey location.
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