Axial Length: Why Your Child’s Eye Length Matters
Most childhood myopia happens because the eyeball grows too long. Go through the three steps to see what axial length is, why its growth matters, and how myopia control glasses help slow it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is axial length measured?
With a quick, painless, non-contact scan at an eye check. It takes a few seconds per eye, and nothing touches the eye.
What is a normal axial length for a child?
It depends on age. Young children have shorter eyes, and the eye grows as they grow. An adult eye is about 23.5 mm long. What matters most is how fast your child’s eye is growing, which is why we compare measurements over time.
How often should my child’s axial length be checked?
For children with myopia, or at risk of it, every 6 months is common. This shows whether the eye is growing faster than expected and whether myopia control is working.
Do myopia control glasses stop myopia?
They slow it down rather than stop it. In clinical trials, eye growth slowed by about half on average. Results vary from child to child, so regular checks are important.
Want to know more? Read about myopia control. Or book a myopia assessment and our optometrists will measure your child’s axial length.