A child’s eyes are meant to grow — but not too fast. When that growth stretches the eye beyond its normal limits, it puts pressure on the retina and weakens overall visual clarity. This change, known as axial elongation, is the root cause of most childhood myopia. Managing that growth is one of the most effective ways to slow down nearsightedness and protect long-term vision.
At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, we use axial length measurements to track the progression of myopia and shape treatment strategies for our youngest patients in Edina.
What Is Axial Length — And Why Should You Care?
Axial length refers to the distance between the front of the eye (cornea) and the back (retina). In growing children, this length naturally increases over time; however, rapid or excessive growth can lead to permanent changes in eye structure and higher levels of myopia.
The connection between axial length and myopia:
As the eye grows, the axial length increases. When that growth happens too quickly, it affects how light focuses inside the eye. This is the core reason behind most childhood myopia. Here’s why it matters:
- Longer eyes = more blur: When the eye grows longer than usual, light rays focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurry — the classic sign of myopia.
- Structural strain: As the eye stretches, it places tension on the retina and other sensitive structures. Over time, this can increase the risk for more serious eye conditions.
- Axial length drives long-term risk: Children with longer axial lengths are statistically more likely to develop:
- Retinal detachment
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Unlike a standard vision test, axial length measurements reveal how the condition is progressing beneath the surface, even before major symptoms appear.
Monitoring Myopia Progression Through Axial Length
Using advanced technology, we can measure axial length down to a fraction of a millimeter. These readings are painless, safe, and quick — even for younger patients. More importantly, they help us identify which treatment strategies will be most effective.
In general, a normal axial length for children ranges between 22 and 24 millimeters. Anything longer may suggest the need for intervention. With consistent measurements over time, we can determine whether the eye’s growth is stabilizing or continuing to progress too quickly.
How We Slow Progression in Myopic Children
Once we understand a child’s axial length and the rate of their eye growth, we can tailor a treatment plan that meets their specific needs. Slowing down the growth of the eye is the key to reducing the risk of severe vision problems later in life. Myopia control treatment options we offer include:
Atropine eye drops
Low-dose atropine drops are used nightly to slow the growth of the eye without affecting daily vision. These are well-tolerated and easy for families to administer at home.
Orthokeratology lenses (Ortho-K)
These are rigid lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. Ortho-k corrects vision during the day and they have been shown to slow axial length growth.
Soft multifocal contact lenses
Designed to provide clear central vision and a different prescription around the edges, these lenses help guide the eye’s development in a healthier direction.
Customized monitoring plans
Axial length measurements allow us to adjust treatment as needed. If we observe that the eye is still growing rapidly, we may modify or combine treatment options to achieve better control.
Myopia Management in Edina That Goes Beyond Glasses
Your child’s eyesight is too important to leave to chance. At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, we go further than just correcting vision — we focus on what’s happening behind the scenes, measuring how their eyes grow and applying proven methods to manage that growth.
We work closely with families in Edina to make sure they understand what’s happening and how we can help. If you’re concerned about your child’s worsening vision, or if you’ve been told their prescription keeps increasing every year, book your eye care appointment with us.