For families in Houston, keeping your child’s vision healthy is an important part of their overall development and success in school. One of the most common issues affecting children today is myopia (nearsightedness), a condition where distant objects look blurry while near vision remains clear. Myopia often develops in early childhood and can progress quickly, making early detection and treatment essential.
 

Signs of Myopia in Children

Children don’t always recognize or communicate when something is wrong with their vision. Parents should watch for these common signs of myopia:

• Squinting when looking at distant objects, such as the board at school

• Sitting very close to the TV or holding digital devices close to the face

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty seeing road signs or objects far away

• Rubbing eyes frequently or experiencing eye fatigue

If your child displays any of these behaviors, it may be time to schedule a pediatric eye exam.
 

Risks of Untreated Myopia

While glasses can correct blurry vision, untreated or progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration

The earlier myopia begins, the more likely it is to progress into high myopia, which raises the chances of long-term vision complications.
 

When to Act

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam before starting school and continue with annual exams, or as often as recommended by their eye doctor. These regular visits are essential for maintaining healthy vision as children grow.

Pediatric eye exams give your optometrist the opportunity to detect the early signs of myopia, monitor how it progresses over time, and recommend personalized treatment options to help slow its development. By staying proactive, parents can ensure their child’s vision is closely managed and protected.

At Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear, we make pediatric eye care a priority. Our goal is to help children see clearly today while also safeguarding their long-term vision and eye health for the future.
 

Effective Myopia Management Options

The good news is that several treatment options can help slow down the progression of myopia in children:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.

• Multifocal Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses that not only improve vision but also help control how the eye focuses, reducing myopia progression.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose medicated drops shown to slow the progression of myopia when used consistently.

Each child’s eyes are unique, and our optometrists will recommend a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
 

Safeguard Your Child’s Future Eye Health

Myopia is a condition that requires attention, monitoring, and proactive management. With early detection and personalized care, you can help protect your child’s vision and reduce the risks of future eye health problems.

At Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric eye care and advanced myopia management solutions. If you’ve noticed signs of myopia in your child, schedule an appointment and take the first step toward healthier vision for life. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 843-5500 today.