Is Your Child at Risk for Myopia? What to Watch For

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems affecting children today. With the increased use of digital devices, less time spent outdoors, and family history playing a role, more children are being diagnosed with myopia at younger ages.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where objects up close appear clear, but those farther away look blurry. This happens when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood and can progress as a child grows. If left unmanaged, higher levels of myopia not only make vision blurrier but also increase the risk of more serious eye health problems later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Signs Your Child May Be Developing Myopia

Parents often wonder how they can tell if their child is at risk. Here are a few common signs to watch for:

• Squinting to See Clearly: If your child squints when looking at distant objects, such as the board at school or the TV, it may signal early myopia.

• Sitting Too Close to Screens: Children with myopia often sit very close to the television or hold tablets and books unusually close to their face.

• Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain: Vision problems can cause discomfort, especially during or after schoolwork.

• Struggling at School: Difficulty seeing the board clearly can impact academic performance.

• Family History: If one or both parents are nearsighted, the risk of a child developing myopia increases significantly.

Early Detection Is Key

The earlier myopia is detected, the better it can be managed. Pediatric eye exams are essential for identifying vision problems before they begin to affect your child’s daily life. Comprehensive exams can detect subtle changes in vision that simple school screenings may miss.

At Orange County Vision Center, our pediatric eye exams not only check for refractive errors like myopia but also monitor your child’s eye health as they grow. Regular visits allow us to track changes over time and begin treatment early if necessary.

The Role of Myopia Control Treatments

While glasses and contact lenses correct blurred vision, myopia control treatments go a step further - they aim to slow down the progression of nearsightedness. Some effective options include:

• Specialty Contact Lenses (Ortho-K): Worn overnight to reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day.

• MiSight® Contact Lenses: Daily disposable soft contact lenses specifically designed and FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine has been shown to be effective in managing myopia in children.

• Lifestyle Recommendations: Encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen time can also help reduce risk.

Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Child’s Vision

Myopia in children is becoming increasingly common, but with early detection and effective treatment options, parents can help protect their child’s long-term vision. Scheduling regular pediatric eye exams ensures that any changes in vision are caught early, and that the best treatments are available when needed.

If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Orange County Vision Center to explore myopia control options. Visit our office in Garden Grove, California, or call us at (714) 894-3353 to book an appointment today.