Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children, especially with the rise in screen time and indoor activities. While genetics can play a role, environmental factors also significantly contribute to the progression of myopia. At San Marino Optometry, we believe early intervention and daily healthy habits can help slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term vision.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes 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, especially without proper monitoring and care.

Regular pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection and management of myopia. Children may not always recognize or communicate vision problems, so comprehensive eye exams help identify issues before they interfere with learning and development. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, including prescription updates and myopia control options, which can slow progression and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
 

Daily Habits That Can Help

Although professional treatment is essential, parents can support their child’s eye health with a few practical changes at home:

• Encourage Outdoor Time: Studies show that spending at least 2 hours outdoors each day can slow myopia progression. Natural light and long-distance focusing help reduce eye strain and promote healthier eye development.

•  Limit Screen Time: Digital devices keep kids engaged, but prolonged use contributes to eye fatigue and myopia progression. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Create a Vision-Friendly Environment: Make sure your child reads or does homework in well-lit areas and at a proper distance. Avoid letting them hold books or tablets too close to their eyes for extended periods.

• Ensure Proper Posture and Lighting: Encourage your child to sit upright with good posture when reading or using devices. Adequate lighting helps prevent squinting and eye strain.
 

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management refers to a range of strategies and treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Rather than simply correcting vision with glasses, myopia management aims to reduce the rate at which the condition worsens over time. This approach can help lower the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

When to Consider Myopia Control Treatments

If your child’s vision is changing rapidly or they’ve been diagnosed with myopia before age 10, it may be time to consider myopia control treatments. Options include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea.

• MiSight 1 day Contact Lenses: These daily disposable lenses use a unique dual-focus design that simultaneously corrects vision and provides a treatment zone that helps manage how light focuses in the eye.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose drops shown to reduce myopia progression.

Our team at San Marino Optometry can evaluate your child’s needs and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision at San Marino Optometry

Myopia progression in children is a growing concern, but daily habits and early intervention can make a significant difference. By encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and seeking professional guidance, parents can help protect their child’s vision and long-term eye health.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with San Marino Optometry to learn more about myopia management and whether your child is a candidate for treatment. We proudly serve the San Marino, San Gabriel, and Arcadia communities. Please call (626) 415-3600 to schedule an appointment today.