If your child has been struggling to see distant objects or their glasses prescription keeps increasing, you’re not alone. Nearsightedness, also known as myopia—is becoming more common among children, and for many, it can progress quickly. Without proper care, this progression can raise the risk of long-term eye concerns, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
At Professional Family Eyecare, we believe in empowering parents with clear information and offering the most effective, science-based treatments to safeguard your child’s vision. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening, your options, and how early intervention can make a lasting difference.
Understanding Myopia in Children
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision while close-up vision stays clear.
Dr. Tyler Speelman explains, “If a child’s nearsightedness changes more than one diopter in a year, that’s a sign we need to start talking about myopia management.” Early detection is essential, as unchecked myopia can increase the risk of myopic macular degeneration and other complications later in life.
Early Signs Parents Should Watch For
Common indicators of myopia may include:
- Squinting or sitting very close to screens or the TV
- Complaints of blurry distance vision
- Frequent changes in prescription
- Eye fatigue after reading or using screens
According to Dr. Speelman, structural changes can also occur as the eye elongates:
“As the eye elongates, the retina can become thinner or stretched. That’s when we start seeing the potential for long-term effects if left untreated.”
Does Screen Time Make Myopia Worse?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents. While research is ongoing, Dr. Speelman notes, “Screen time is associated with nearsightedness, but we don’t yet have definitive proof that it causes myopia.”
What experts do know:
- Outdoor play is beneficial
- Frequent breaks from close-up work support eye health
- Balanced screen habits can help reduce eye strain
Healthy visual habits, combined with professional treatment, can support your child’s long-term vision.
Myopia Management Options for Children
At Professional Family Eyecare, we offer several safe and effective treatment options designed to slow the progression of myopia.
Treatment Options Include:
- MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: FDA-approved daily lenses designed specifically for children to slow myopia progression.
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses help guide how light focuses on the retina, encouraging healthier eye growth.
- Stellest™ Eyeglass Lenses: A great option for younger children or those not ready for contacts. These lenses use special technology to defocus peripheral light and slow eye elongation.
- Low-Dose Atropine Drops: A nightly drop that relaxes the eye’s focusing system and helps slow myopia progression.
“Our favorite method tends to be myopia management contact lenses,” says Dr. Speelman. “They provide excellent results for many kids and are easy to use once proper hygiene and habits are established.”
What to Expect During a Myopia Evaluation
During your child’s evaluation, we assess:
- A complete prescription and eye health exam
- Family history and known risk factors
- Treatment options tailored to your child’s lifestyle and comfort
- Progress checks every six months to ensure healthy, stable eye development
Dr. Speelman adds, “We take pride in making sure every prescription we write helps the patient see their very best, and we always bring them back for follow-ups to fine-tune if needed.”
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Myopia management works best when started early and continued through the teenage years.
“The studies show we can slow the eye’s growth until about age 18,” Dr. Speelman explains. “In some cases, treatment may halt progression completely, but the goal is always to slow it down significantly.”
Most families experience a 50% treatment effect, meaning a child who might have reached a –4.00 prescription without care may only reach –2.00 or –3.00 with proper management, significantly reducing long-term risks.
FAQ: Common Questions from Parents
Is myopia treatment safe for kids?
Yes. When properly fitted and monitored, myopia control treatments are both safe and effective. We ensure every child learns proper lens care or drop use to avoid complications.
Can my child still play sports or swim?
Absolutely. We’ll help you choose options that fit your child’s lifestyle, allowing them to enjoy sports, swimming, and other activities without worry.
Will treatment stop myopia completely?
Myopia management typically slows progression rather than stopping it entirely, but early treatment significantly reduces long-term risks.
When should I start treatment for my child?
There’s no universal age. It depends on family history, risk factors, and how quickly your child’s prescription is changing. We’ve even treated children as young as two when early signs appeared.
Supporting Your Child’s Vision, Every Step of the Way
Myopia management is about more than correcting vision, it’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health. At Professional Family Eyecare, we combine advanced technology with compassionate, kid-friendly care to make every visit comfortable, educational, and encouraging.
If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s vision or want to explore treatment options, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team today. Together, we’ll help your child see clearly now and for years to come.