Why Myopia Is Becoming More Common in Children

In recent years, more and more children are being diagnosed with myopia - a condition where distant objects look blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Once considered a vision issue that mainly developed during the teenage years, myopia is now appearing in children at younger ages and progressing faster than ever before.
 

Why Myopia Is Becoming More Common in Children

Several factors contribute to the growing prevalence of myopia in today’s children:
 

•          Increased Screen Time: Digital devices are a major part of children’s daily lives, and prolonged use can cause eye strain and fatigue.

•          Less Time Outdoors: Studies show that natural sunlight plays a protective role in healthy eye development. Kids who spend less time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia.

•          Genetic Factors: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at a higher risk of developing myopia themselves.

•          Educational Demands: Spending more time on close-up activities such as reading, studying, and using tablets increases visual stress on developing eyes.
 

With these lifestyle changes becoming the norm, it’s no surprise that myopia rates are steadily climbing.
 

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Early detection is crucial in managing myopia. Many children don’t realize they have vision problems because they’ve never experienced clear vision to compare it to. Regular pediatric eye exams allow optometrists to detect signs of myopia early and create a personalized plan to slow its progression. At Texas State Optical Cypress, we recommend that children have a comprehensive eye exam once a year - even if they don’t complain about vision problems.
 

The Risks of High Myopia

High myopia occurs when the eye continues to elongate over time, leading to a stronger prescription and greater strain on the visual system. Beyond the inconvenience of needing thick glasses or contact lenses, high myopia significantly increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life. These include retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration - all of which can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
 

How Myopia Management Can Make a Difference

Modern myopia management goes beyond simply prescribing stronger glasses every year. It focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness and protecting long-term eye health. Here are a few of the most effective methods:
 

•          Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine helps slow eye growth and can be used safely in children with progressive myopia.

•          Ortho-K (Orthokeratology): These custom-designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while sleeping, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.

•          MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: These FDA-approved daily disposable lenses are specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children.
 

Each treatment option offers unique benefits, and your optometrist can help determine which approach is best suited for your child’s lifestyle and needs.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

The rise in childhood myopia is a growing concern, but with early detection and proactive management, you can help protect your child’s vision and reduce long-term risks. Encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and scheduling regular eye exams are all simple yet powerful steps toward maintaining healthy eyesight.
 

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Texas State Optical Cypress to explore personalized myopia management options. Contact our office in Cypress, Texas, by calling (281) 758-0008 or visiting tsocypress.com to book an appointment today.