Signs Your Child May Need Myopia Control Treatment

As children grow, their eyes grow too - and sometimes, that growth can affect how well they see the world around them. Myopia is a common vision condition that makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. While glasses or contact lenses can correct this, they don’t stop the condition from getting worse.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, making it hard for children to see the board at school, recognize faces across the playground, or watch TV clearly.
 

Understanding Myopia Progression

In most cases, myopia begins during childhood and tends to progress as a child grows. Studies show that the younger a child is when myopia starts, the more likely it is to worsen over time. Without intervention, this can lead to high myopia, which increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
 

Recognizing the Signs Your Child May Need Myopia Control

Parents are often the first to notice signs of vision problems. Keep an eye out for these common indicators that your child may be developing or experiencing worsening myopia:

• Squinting to see distant objects
• Holding books, tablets, or phones very close to the face
• Complaining of headaches or eye strain
• Struggling to see the classroom board or television
• Sitting too close to the screen
• Rapid changes in prescription during annual eye exams

Even if your child isn’t showing obvious symptoms, regular pediatric eye exams are key. Children’s eyes can change quickly, and early diagnosis allows your optometrist to intervene before myopia progresses too far.
 

How Myopia Control Treatments Can Help

At Advance Vision Center of Optometry, we offer several proven methods to help slow the progression of myopia in children:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. During the day, they can see clearly without glasses or contacts, and the treatment helps slow eye growth associated with myopia.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops, applied daily, can effectively slow myopia progression without significantly affecting focusing ability or pupil size.

Your child’s optometrist will determine the most effective option based on their age, lifestyle, and degree of myopia.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia control isn’t just about clearer vision - it’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health. With early detection and personalized treatment, you can help ensure your child’s vision remains strong and stable as they grow.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Advance Vision Center of Optometry to learn more about myopia control and how we can help your child enjoy a clearer, healthier future. Visit our office in San Jose, California, or call (408) 947-2020 to book an appointment today.