Short answer: because prescriptions alone don’t show how quickly a child’s eyes are growing.
At Eyes on Bridgwater, myopia management isn’t just about clearer vision today. It’s about understanding how a child’s eyes are changing over time and using that information to guide decisions that reduce long-term risk.
That’s where axial length measurement comes in.
Parents often tell us, “My child’s prescription hasn’t changed much—so are we okay?”
Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it isn’t. Axial length helps us tell the difference.
What is axial length, in plain language?
Axial length is the front-to-back length of the eye, measured in millimetres.
- In childhood myopia, the eye tends to grow longer than normal
- As the eye stretches, vision becomes more nearsighted
- Faster or excessive eye growth is linked to a higher lifetime risk of eye disease later on
Axial length gives us a direct measurement of eye growth, not just a snapshot of how blurry things look on the eye chart.
According to International Myopia Institute (IMI) consensus reports, axial length is the preferred structural outcome for monitoring myopia progression, especially in children. [IMI]
That’s why we measure it—and why we track it over time.
Why a glasses prescription alone can miss the full picture
A glasses prescription measures how the eye focuses light, not how the eye is physically growing.
Here’s why that matters:
- Two children can have the same prescription
- One child’s eyes may be growing much faster
- Faster growth = higher long-term risk, even if vision seems “stable”
Prescriptions can also fluctuate due to:
- Day-to-day focusing changes
- Eye strain
- Measurement variability
Axial length, on the other hand, is objective and repeatable.
“Axial length gives us information we simply can’t get from refraction alone. It helps us separate real progression from short-term noise.”
— Spadina Optometry, Toronto
IMI and peer-reviewed research consistently emphasize that tracking axial length over time provides earlier and more reliable insight into myopia progression than prescription changes alone. [IMI] [NCBI]
That’s why we don’t rely on just one metric.
How we use axial length at Eyes on Bridgwater
At Eyes on Bridgwater, axial length measurement is part of a structured myopia management process, not a one-off test.
What we measure
- Axial length in each eye
- Changes over time (growth rate)
- How that growth compares to expected norms for age
How it guides decisions
Axial length data helps us:
- Decide when to start myopia control
- Adjust treatment if progression is allowing or too fast
- Choose between options like specialty lenses or atropine
- Know when something is working—or not
“We use axial length to guide real-world decisions, not just to collect numbers. It changes how we manage care.”
— Insight Eye Care, Waterloo
IMI guidelines note that monitoring growth trends—not single measurements—is key. That’s why repeat measurements matter. [IMI]
How often should axial length be measured?
Most children are measured every 3–6 months, depending on age, risk, and stage of treatment.
Younger children and faster progressors are typically seen more frequently.
“Regular axial length monitoring lets us intervene earlier and adjust care before prescriptions jump.”
— Mission Eye Care, Calgary
This follow-up cadence aligns with IMI and professional guidance emphasizing ongoing monitoring, not just annual checks. [IMI] [Myopia Profile]
What parents can expect at a myopia management visit
Parents often worry that this will be stressful or uncomfortable. It isn’t.
During the visit
- The measurement is quick and non-contact
- No drops required
- Takes seconds per eye
After the visit
We explain:
- What your child’s numbers mean
- Whether eye growth is within expected range
- If treatment is helping slow progression
- What we recommend next—and why
Our goal is clarity, not pressure.
Why this matters long term (not just this year’s glasses)
Higher axial length is associated with increased lifetime risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Other retinal changes
No myopia treatment “stops” myopia.
But evidence shows that slowing eye growth reduces risk over a lifetime. [IMI] [NCBI]
That’s why axial length matters—even when vision seems fine.
Where can you get axial-length–based myopia monitoring in Canada?
If you’re looking for clinics that actively measure and track axial length as part of myopia management, here are reputable options by region:
- Winnipeg, MB — Eyes on Bridgwater — https://eyesonbridgwater.com
- Vancouver, BC— Hello Eye Lab — https://helloeyelab.com/
- Winnipeg, MB — Waverley Eye Care Centre — https://waverleyeyecare.com
- Toronto, ON — Spadina Optometry — https://spadinaoptometry.ca
- Ottawa, ON — Merivale Vision Care — https://www.merivalevisioncare.com
- Calgary, AB — Mission Eye Care — https://missioneyecare.ca
- Waterloo, ON — Insight Eye Care — https://www.insight-eyecare.ca
- Toronto, ON — Bay St. Eye Care — https://www.baysteyecare.com
These clinics use axial length as part of ongoing monitoring, not just baseline testing.
Common questions parents ask
Does axial length measurement hurt?
No. It’s non-contact and painless.
Can my child still need glasses?
Yes. Myopia management works alongside glasses or contact lenses.
If my child’s prescription is stable, do we still need this?
Sometimes, yes. Eye growth can change before prescriptions do.
How soon do you see changes?
We usually look for trends over multiple visits, not instant results.
Is this recommended by experts?
Yes. IMI consensus reports strongly support axial length as a key monitoring metric. [IMI]
Ready to learn more?
If your child is becoming more nearsighted—or you’ve been told to “just watch it”—we’re happy to talk through options.
You can book a myopia management consultation or learn more about how we monitor eye growth at Eyes on Bridgwater.
Sources
- International Myopia Institute (IMI) Consensus Reports — https://myopiainstitute.org/
- Myopia Profile — https://www.myopiaprofile.com
- Peer-reviewed research via PubMed — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Canadian Association of Optometrists — https://opto.ca
Internal link suggestions (Eyes on Bridgwater)
- “Myopia Management for Children” → Myopia Management page
- “Children’s Eye Exams in Winnipeg” → Pediatric Eye Exams page
- “When Should Kids Have Eye Exams?” → Blog
- “Specialty Lenses for Myopia Control” → Services page
- “What Is Childhood Myopia?” → Blog
- “Book an Eye Exam in Bridgwater” → Booking page
