Why more and more children wear glasses: the myopia epidemic
The number of children with myopia has doubled in the last 30 years. We examine the causes and what we can do.
Read →
Is your child squinting?
It might not just be tiredness
Every third child in the world already suffers from myopia. In Moldova the situation is no better. Learn how to protect your child's vision.
Informational portal about children's vision • Based on WHO data and international research
Childhood myopia in numbers
0
of children worldwide suffer from myopia
0
of the population will be myopic by 2050
0
increase in incidence after the pandemic
0
average rate of progression without control
In Moldova, exact statistics on childhood myopia are not yet collected at the national level, but ophthalmologists note a steady increase in the number of consultations. According to specialist estimates, the situation corresponds to general European trends.
Sources: Holden et al., Ophthalmology 2016; WHO World Report on Vision 2019; Klaver et al., British Journal of Ophthalmology 2020
Do you recognize your child?
Check the situations you observe in your child
For now it's not critical
You noticed 1 sign out of 6. This does not necessarily indicate myopia, but it is worth monitoring and following prevention rules.
Prevention RulesWorth paying attention
You checked 2 out of 6 signs. We recommend assessing the risk of myopia with our test.
Take the Risk TestYour child has an increased risk of developing myopia
You checked out of 6 signs. We recommend an ophthalmological consultation for early diagnosis.
Book an Eye ExamWhat is childhood myopia and why is it dangerous?
Myopia (nearsightedness) is not simply "poor distance vision." It is a condition in which the eyeball grows faster than normal, and the image focuses in front of the retina rather than on it.
- The eye grows faster than normal — each extra millimetre means approximately 3 dioptres
- Without control, myopia progresses on average by -1 dioptre per year
- The earlier it starts — the higher the final degree
- High myopia (over -6D) increases the risk of: retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts
Normal vision
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Cornea
Retina
Cornea
Retina
Lens
Focus
Cornea
Retina
Cornea
Retina
Lens
Focus
Genetics plays a role — but does not decide everything
Heredity influences the risk of developing myopia, but a child's lifestyle can both amplify and reduce this risk
Neither parent has myopia
~7.6%
probability of myopia in the child
Low genetic risk, but a modern lifestyle can increase it
One parent has myopia
~26.2%
probability of myopia in the child
Medium risk. Progression is on average +2.04 D higher than in children without heredity
Both parents have myopia
~45%
probability of myopia in the child
High risk. Progression is on average +2.59 D higher. Control is especially important
Important: even if there are no people with myopia in the family — a modern lifestyle (electronic devices, little time outdoors, heavy schoolwork) creates the risk of myopia developing in any child.
Source: Mutti et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2002; Jones et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2007
Why are more and more children becoming myopic?
Four main factors contributing to the growth of myopia in children
Research shows that each additional hour of close-up work per day increases the risk of developing myopia by 2%.
Children in Moldova, like across Europe, spend an average of 4-6 hours a day in front of screens. During the pandemic, this time increased by another 2-3 hours.
Natural sunlight stimulates the production of dopamine in the retina, which slows down eye growth.
A minimum of 2 hours per day outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia by 30-50%. This is the simplest and most proven prevention method.
In countries with intensive educational systems (South Korea, Singapore) myopia reaches 80-90% of students.
Prolonged close-up work without breaks is one of the strongest progression factors. The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look for 20 seconds at an object 20 feet (6 metres) away.
Research from China showed that after the 2020 lockdowns, the incidence of myopia among 6-year-olds increased threefold.
More screen time + fewer walks + distance learning = ideal conditions for myopia development. The consequences of the pandemic are still observed by doctors today.
Myopia Control
Myopia cannot be cured — but it can be slowed down
Correction and myopia control are not the same thing. Regular glasses help with vision, but do not stop eye growth. Modern control methods slow progression by 40-67%.
Correction ≠ Control
Regular glasses and lenses
Correct vision but do not influence eye growth. Myopia continues to progress.
Myopia control methods
Special lenses and therapy slow eye elongation, reducing progression by 40-67%.
40-67% slowing of progression
According to international clinical studies, with a correctly selected control method.
Regular lens
Myopia control lens
Single-focuslens Focus behind
the retina Standard
single-focus lens Eye
elongation Myopia
control lens Central focus
on the retina Special
peripheral
zones Peripheral
defocus
Diagram of the working principle of myopia control lenses
Modern myopia control methods
The choice of method depends on the child's age, the degree of myopia and lifestyle. Prescription — only after a comprehensive eye exam.
Defocus spectacle lenses
- D.I.M.S. and H.A.L.T. technology — slowing by up to 60%
- Suitable from age 6, comfortable to wear
- No special care required
Orthokeratology lenses
- Night lenses — the child is glasses-free during the day
- Slowing progression by up to 50-60%
- Convenient for active and sporty children
Soft contact lenses
- Multifocal lenses with peripheral defocus
- Slowing progression by up to 43-59%
- Daytime wear, daily or planned replacement
Atropinization
- Low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) before bedtime
- Slowing progression by up to 50-67%
- Can be combined with other methods
The choice of method — only after a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist
Our Experts
Childhood myopia specialists in Chisinau
Experienced ophthalmologists specializing in the diagnosis and control of myopia in children
7 rules for your child's eye health
Simple habits that will help preserve vision
1
The 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes of close-up work — look for 20 seconds at something 20 feet (6 metres) away.
2
2 hours outdoors
At least 2 hours per day outdoors in daylight. This reduces the risk of myopia by 50%.
3
30-40 cm distance
Book, notebook and screen — no closer than 30 cm from the eyes. Use the "elbow length" rule.
4
Good lighting
The workspace must be well lit. Light from the left for right-handers, from the right for left-handers.
5
Limit screen time
Up to 2 hours of entertainment screen time per day. Smartphones are more dangerous than TV — the screen is closer to the eyes.
6
Check vision annually
Children aged 6-17 need an annual eye exam, even if they have no vision complaints.
7
Don't delay visiting the doctor
If your child squints, complains of headaches or sits closer to the screen — book an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Test: Does your child have a risk of myopia?
6 simple questions will help you assess the risk of myopia development. The test takes no more than 2 minutes.
Useful articles about children's vision
Expert materials for parents
Screen time and your child's vision: what science says
How much screen time is safe for children's eyes? A review of the latest research and expert recommendations.
Read →Outdoor walks: the best myopia prevention
Research shows that 2 hours outdoors cuts the risk of myopia in half. How to organize walks during the school year?
Read →
Book your child for an eye exam
We will call you back within 30 minutes during business hours
Request sent!
We will call you as soon as possible.
Your data is protected and not shared with third parties
We call back within 30 minutes during business hours
Privacy Policy
Quick booking
Leave your number — we will call back within 30 minutes and arrange a convenient time.
Comprehensive examination
Complete vision diagnostics for your child with modern equipment.
Experienced specialists
Doctors with over 15 years of experience in pediatric ophthalmology and myopia control.