Most cases of myopia develop in school-age children due to a combination of genetics, screen time, and reduced time spent outdoors.
What Is Myopia and How Is It Different From Hyperopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where objects up close appear clear, but things farther away — like classroom whiteboards or road signs — look blurry. In contrast, hyperopia (farsightedness) means distant objects appear clear, but near ones can be difficult to focus on.
Understanding the difference between myopia vs hyperopia can help parents recognize what their child might be experiencing. A child with myopia may:
- Sit very close to screens
- Squint often
- Complain of blurry distance vision
- Avoid outdoor activities
Unlike farsightedness, which is often mild and may resolve naturally, myopia tends to progress with age — and can become more severe without intervention.
What Causes Myopia in Children?
If one or both parents are nearsighted, there’s a strong chance their child may also develop the condition. Other contributing factors include:
- Excessive close-up work (screens, books, devices)
- Poor lighting environments
- Not enough exposure to natural light
Myopia is often bilateral, meaning it affects both eyes, though one may progress faster than the other.
What Are Spectacles for Myopia and Do They Help?
Yes — spectacles for myopia are often the first step in treatment. They help correct distance vision and reduce squinting or eye strain in the classroom, at home, and during activities. Today’s spectacle options are highly customizable:
- Lightweight lenses for comfort
- Impact-resistant frames for active kids
- Anti-reflective coatings for screen users
- Myopia-control lenses designed to slow progression
But glasses are just one part of a modern myopia management plan. That’s where specialized care comes in — and where seeing a trained myopia eye doctor makes a difference.
Can a Myopia Eye Doctor Slow Down Myopia?
Yes — in many cases, a myopia eye doctor can recommend strategies that go beyond glasses to slow the condition’s progression. This is especially important for children, as high levels of untreated myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Treatment plans vary based on age, prescription, and lifestyle, but may include:
- Specialty spectacle lenses that incorporate peripheral defocus technology
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea
- Soft multifocal contact lenses for daytime wear
- Low-dose atropine eye drops, which help reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate
A thorough exam with a myopia specialist can determine which strategy is best for your child.
When Should a Child See a Myopia Specialist?
If your child wears glasses and their prescription seems to change often — especially before age 12 — it’s time to consider a consultation. You don’t have to wait for severe symptoms: catching myopia early improves the chances of managing it effectively.
Ask yourself:
- Has your child’s prescription increased two or more times in a year?
- Are they frequently squinting, sitting close to screens, or struggling in class?
- Does your child avoid outdoor play or show signs of eye fatigue?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, it’s worth searching for a myopia specialist near me — especially one who understands how to balance correction with long-term control.
How Do I Find a Myopia Specialist Near Me?
The good news? You’ve already found one. At Clayton Heights Optometry in Surrey, we offer comprehensive exams, child-friendly care, and a full range of myopia management services tailored to young eyes.
Myopia is more than an inconvenience — it's a vision condition that can have long-term effects if left unmanaged. When you partner with Clayton Heights Optometry, you’re not just getting an exam and a new pair of glasses. You’re getting a long-term strategy built around your child’s health, comfort, and success in school and life.
Book an Appointment With a Myopia Eye Doctor Today
Ready to take control of your child’s nearsightedness? Let’s build a plan together.
📍 Visit Clayton Heights Optometry in Surrey
📞 Call 604-372-4030 or book online today