Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while near vision remains clear. It is one of the most widespread and fastest-growing vision problems worldwide—especially among children and teenagers.
Signs and Symptoms of Myopia
Common signs include:
- Clear vision up close, but difficulty seeing at a distance
- Squinting to read the board in school or see road signs
- Eye fatigue or headaches after long periods of focusing on distant objects
In children, symptoms may also include:
- Holding books or screens very close to the face
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Avoiding outdoor activities
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea has too much curvature. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision.
It tends to run in families and often begins in childhood. Myopia can worsen as the eyes grow—especially between ages 6 and 18. Environmental factors such as prolonged screen time, extensive near work, and limited outdoor play may increase the risk of myopia or cause it to progress more quickly.
Diagnosing Myopia
A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist is the only way to properly diagnose myopia. We’ll assess your child’s visual acuity and eye health, and determine the appropriate prescription if glasses or contact lenses are needed. Myopia prescriptions are measured in negative diopters, such as -1.50 or -3.00.
Treatment Options for Myopia
Myopia can be managed with:
- Prescription eyeglasses – a simple and effective solution for clear distance vision
- Contact lenses – daily or monthly options for older children, teens, and adults
- Laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK) – reshapes the cornea for adults with stable prescriptions
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – special contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea
- Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) – an option for adults who are not candidates for laser surgery
Myopia Control: Slowing Progression in Children
For children and teens, myopia often worsens each year—leading to stronger prescriptions and increased risk of eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
We now have evidence-based treatments designed to slow the progression of myopia:
- Low-dose atropine eye drops
- Myopia control soft contact lenses
- Specialized spectacle lenses (such as Hoya MiyoSmart and Zeiss MyoCare)
- Orthokeratology (nighttime contacts)
Early Action Matters
The earlier myopia control is started, the more effective it tends to be. If your child is nearsighted—or if myopia runs in your family—ask us how we can help manage it and protect their long-term vision.