When I began my journey as an optometrist more than three decades ago, my focus was on restoring sight for those who had already lost clarity. Over time, I realized a deeper truth: the greatest gift we can give children is not just correcting their vision, but protecting it before it slips away.
Myopia, once seen as a minor inconvenience that could be managed with glasses, has now become a global epidemic. Every year, I meet more children whose numbers rise faster than their parents can replace their spectacles. Behind those numbers lies something bigger — the risk of lifelong complications, the emotional struggles of children, and the heavy burden on families and healthcare systems.
This book, Shaping Young Eyes: A 39-Chapter Journey into Myopia Control, is born out of my 36 years of clinical practice, research, and collaboration with mentors and colleagues across the world. It is not just a medical manual; it is a guide for parents, children, and eye care professionals who want to understand myopia in its full dimension — from its causes to its treatments, from scientific research to practical lifestyle tips.
I have been privileged to learn from some of the finest minds in optometry and ophthalmology, and to work with dedicated colleagues who share my passion for protecting childhood vision. But my greatest teachers have been my patients — the children who wore their first pair of glasses with hesitation, the parents who asked difficult questions late into the evening, and the families who trusted me to guide them through the confusing world of myopia management.
This book is my attempt to bring together science, compassion, and practicality. It is written not only for experts, but also for parents seeking clarity and for children who deserve a future without the heavy burden of high myopia.
As you turn these pages, I invite you to see beyond the numbers on a prescription slip. Myopia is not just about eyesight — it is about confidence, opportunity, and quality of life. By shaping young eyes today, we shape brighter tomorrows.
I dedicate this work to every child who dreams of a clear horizon, to every parent who worries about their child’s eyes, and to every colleague who works tirelessly to protect vision.
With hope and gratitude,
-
Chandrashekhar Chawan, PhD, FSLS, FAAO
Celebrity Optometrist and Ocularist
Chapter 1 The Rising Epidemic of Childhood Myopia
Chapter 2 Patient Stories – The First Signs
Chapter 3 Genetics vs Environment – Nature and Nurture in Myopia
Chapter 4 Near Work, Digital Screens, and Outdoor Play
Chapter 5 The Global Burden – Myopia Across Continents
Chapter 6 High Myopia and Its Complications
Chapter 7 Early Signs – Recognizing Myopia in Children
Chapter 8 Comprehensive Myopia Evaluation in the Clinic
Chapter 9 Axial Length Measurement and Its Importance
Chapter 10 Corneal Topography and Wavefront Aberrometry
Chapter 11 The Role of Accommodation and Binocular Vision
Chapter 12 The Myopia Risk Calculator – Predicting Progression
Chapter 13 Spectacles for Myopia Control – From Bifocals to Defocus Lenses
Chapter 14 Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses in Children
Chapter 15 Orthokeratology – Reshaping the Cornea Overnight
Chapter 16 Scleral Lenses and HOA Optics for Pediatric Myopia
Chapter 17 The Future of Smart Glasses and Digital Vision Aids
Chapter 18 Low-Dose Atropine – Evidence and Protocols
Chapter 19 Newer Pharmacological Agents Under Research
Chapter 20 Side Effects, Safety, and Parental Concerns
Chapter 22 The Role of Screen Time and Near Work in Myopia Progression
Chapter 23 Sleep, Lighting, and Eye Growth
Chapter 24 Nutrition and Eye Health – Myths and Facts
Chapter 25 Genetic Factors and Family History
Chapter 26 School Screenings and Public Health Policies
Chapter 27 Advances in Technology for Monitoring Myopia
Chapter 28 The Economics of Myopia – Cost Burden on Families and Healthcare Systems
Chapter 29 Myopia and Quality of Life
Chapter 30 Myopia Control Around the World – Regional Approaches and Success Stories
Chapter 31 The Psychology of Myopia – Coping Strategies for Children and Families
Chapter 32 Tele-Optometry and Digital Health Tools for Myopia Management
Chapter 33 Counseling Parents and Children
Chapter 34 The Economics of Myopia Control – Cost of Treatment vs. Cost of Complications
Chapter 35 RED Light Therapy Myopia Control
Chapter 36 The Future of Vision – Towards a Myopia-Free Generation
Chapter 37 How to Set Up a Myopia Control Clinic (Including Consent Forms & Documentation)
Chapter 38 A Practical Approach Guide for Parents and Children
Chapter 39: Scientific Research References from PubMed
Glossary
About the Author
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.