How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Myopia?

As children grow, their eyes are still developing and sometimes vision problems can go unnoticed until they start affecting school performance, sports, or everyday activities. One of the most common conditions in children is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Recognizing the signs early is important so your child can get the care they need to see clearly and comfortably.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition where objects up close appear clear, but those far away look blurry. It happens when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
 

Why Is Myopia So Common?

Over the past few decades, myopia has become increasingly common among children worldwide. A few reasons include:
 

•          Increased screen time and close-up activities like tablets, phones, and reading.

•          Less outdoor time, which research shows plays a role in healthy eye development.

•          Genetics, since children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia.
 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Children may not always realize their vision is blurry. As a parent, you can look for signs such as:
 

•          Squinting or narrowing their eyes to see objects in the distance

•          Sitting very close to the TV or holding books and devices close to their face

•          Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

•          Difficulty seeing the board at school

•          Declining performance in sports or activities that require clear distance vision
 

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams

Because symptoms aren’t always obvious, regular pediatric eye exams are essential. A comprehensive eye exam can detect myopia in its earliest stages, sometimes before your child notices any vision changes. Early diagnosis allows for treatment options that not only correct vision but may also help slow the progression of myopia as your child grows.
 

Slowing Down Progression with Myopia Control

Beyond simply prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct blurry vision, our eye doctors can also recommend myopia control treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness as children grow. Options may include specially designed contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight, soft multifocal contact lenses, or low-dose atropine eye drops. These treatments don’t cure myopia, but they can help reduce the risk of high levels of nearsightedness later in life, which are associated with more serious eye health problems. By starting myopia control early, you can give your child the best chance for healthier vision in the future.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Hermitage Today

Myopia is a common vision condition, but catching it early makes all the difference. If you’ve noticed your child squinting, sitting too close to screens, or struggling to see clearly at a distance, it’s time to schedule an eye exam.
 

At Anderson Eyecare, we specialize in myopia control and provide thorough eye exams to help your child see their best. Visit our office in Hermitage, Tennessee, or call (615) 883-9595 to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s vision is on the right track.