Eye pressure and myopia: a promising target?
- Richard Kadri-Langford
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Parents are hearing more and more about myopia (short-sightedness) in children—and with good reason. Myopia is becoming more common and can progress quickly during school years. A new peer‑reviewed study in the Journal of Translational Medicine explores an important question: is there a link between intraocular pressure (IOP)—the pressure inside the eye—and myopia in young people? Here’s a parent-friendly summary of what this means and what you can do.
What is intraocular pressure (IOP)?
Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Your child’s eye constantly makes and drains a clear fluid (aqueous humour) to keep the eye’s shape and nourish internal tissues. IOP is measured during an eye exam—often with a gentle “puff” of air or a soft-tipped device that briefly touches the eye’s surface. Eye pressure naturally varies during the day and from person to person. Most measurements fall within a typical “normal” range.
What did the new study look at?
The study in the Journal of Translational Medicine, 2025, examined the relationship between IOP and myopia, focusing on how eye pressure might relate to myopia presence, severity, and progression. Researchers assessed eye pressure alongside measures of refractive error (how short‑sighted someone is) and other eye characteristics. They used modern statistical methods to account for common factors like age and sex to better isolate the relationship between IOP and myopia.
What did the study find?
Children and young people with myopia tended, on average, to have slightly higher IOP than their non‑myopic peers. This difference was generally small and still within typical ranges for healthy eyes.
Higher IOP was associated with greater myopia and features linked to eye growth (for example, lengthening of the eye). This supports the idea that eye pressure may play a role in the mechanical forces involved in myopia progression.
Importantly, the study does not show that eye pressure causes myopia, nor does it suggest that lowering IOP (as is done in glaucoma) is a treatment for myopia. Most eye pressures measured were normal, and myopia is influenced by many factors including genetics, near work, and time spent outdoors.
The authors conclude that IOP is one piece of the myopia puzzle. Monitoring IOP in children with myopia is sensible, and further research is needed to understand how eye pressure interacts with eye growth over time.
While this study adds useful information, the most important step is to start or continue evidence‑based myopia control to slow progression and reduce the risk of future eye disease.
Evidence‑based options to discuss with your clinician:
Special myopia‑control glasses designed to reduce peripheral defocus
Orthokeratology (overnight lenses that reshape the cornea)
Low‑dose atropine eye drops (when appropriate and prescribed)
Lifestyle changes: more outdoor time (aim for 2+ hours daily where possible) and regular breaks from close work (e.g., the 20‑20‑20 rule)
A recent study found that eye pressure is modestly associated with myopia, adding to growing evidence that the biomechanics of the eye matter in how myopia develops and progresses.
This does not change current best practice: routine IOP checks are helpful, but myopia management should focus on proven treatments and healthy visual habits.
Early action is best. The sooner myopia control starts, the better the chance of slowing progression.
For clear, parent‑friendly guides to myopia management, tools to help you talk to your child’s eye care professional, and the latest research updates, visit myopiafocus.org.
For more trusted guidance, evidence‑based options and practical support, read our complete guide on myopia control.
Intraocular pressure is a promising target for myopia control
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