FDA approves glasses to slow child myopia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 1, 2025 approved a new type of prescription eyeglasses designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children, authorizing nationwide marketing that includes the Twin Cities. The decision gives Minnesota families and eye‑care providers a federally cleared option intended to reduce the rate at which pediatric myopia worsens.
📌 Key Facts
- Approving agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Approval date: Dec. 1, 2025
- Scope: Nationwide availability via prescription, including the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro
📊 Relevant Data
The prevalence of high myopia in the United States ranges from 1.8% among Hispanic populations to 11.8% among Chinese populations.
High Myopia Prevalence across Racial Groups in the United States — PubMed Central
Asian American children experience faster progression of myopia compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Progression of children's myopia may be influenced by race and ethnicity — Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation
Race is a strong predictor of myopia progression in children even after controlling for factors such as screen time, close work, socio-economic status, societal expectations of education, and urban living.
Race as a predictor of myopia progression in paediatric patients — Myopia Profile
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Asians constitute 17.93% of the population.
St. Paul, Minnesota Population 2025 — World Population Review