If your child is squinting at the TV or struggling to see the whiteboard at school, you aren't alone.
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially among children. It isn't just about needing glasses; it is about the long-term health of the eye. At West Valley Vision Center, we help families in Goodyear, AZ, understand this condition and, more importantly, manage it effectively.
Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive about nearsightedness.
"What exactly is myopia?"
Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
It happens when the eye grows slightly too long from front to back. Because of this shape, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is what causes the blur. While nearsightedness is often genetic, environmental factors play a huge role in how fast it progresses.
"Why is my child’s vision getting worse every year?"
This is the most common concern we hear regarding pediatric vision.
Children's eyes are still growing. When a child spends hours on digital devices or doing near-work (like reading or homework) without breaks, it signals the eye to elongate further to accommodate that focus. This causes their prescription to jump higher every year.
It is critical to catch this early. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
"Can we stop the prescription from changing?"
In the past, the only option was to get stronger glasses every year. Today, we have better tools.
We offer myopia management strategies designed to slow down the elongation of the eye. This might involve specialized contact lenses, prescription eye drops, or specific lifestyle changes. The goal isn't just vision correction for today; it is about keeping the prescription as low as possible for the future.
"What are the options for vision correction?"
For adults and children alike, there are several effective options for vision correction depending on lifestyle and visual needs.
Eyeglasses remain one of the simplest and most reliable ways to correct distance vision, while contact lenses are a popular choice for active kids and adults who prefer a frame-free option. For children with progressing nearsightedness, myopia control lenses like Stellest Lenses offer a more specialized approach designed to slow changes in vision over time. In addition to corrective lenses, encouraging healthy visual habits is important, including spending 90 minutes or more outdoors each day, which has been shown to support myopia control.
"When should I see an eye doctor near you?"
Children should have their first comprehensive exam before they start school, and annually after that. If you notice squinting, headaches, or holding books too close, it is time to come in.
Call Our Optometrists Near You to Learn More About Myopia Control
Don't let blurry vision hold your child back. Call West Valley Vision Center in Goodyear, AZ, at (623) 932-2020 to schedule a comprehensive exam.
