When Sarah noticed her son squinting at the television, she assumed he was just tired. But after a visit to Morgan Creek Optometry, she learned he had myopia. "I had no idea it could get worse over time," she says.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children, often progressing as they grow. A paper in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, which reviewed 276 studies, concluded that more than one in three of children and teens are nearsighted, triple what it was in 1990.
Without proper management, myopia can lead to higher-prescription eyewear and increased risks of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration. But the good news is that today, parents have more tools than ever to slow its progression and protect their child’s long-term vision.
Understanding myopia & its risks
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Genetics play a significant role: if one parent is myopic, their child has a 20 per cent chance of developing it. If both parents are myopic, that risk jumps to 40 per cent.
Left unmanaged, myopia can worsen significantly during childhood and adolescence, explains Dr. Bains from Morgan Creek Optometry.
"In the past, there was no way to mitigate the progression of myopia. Now, we have several treatments that can actually help slow it down."
Early detection & treatment options
Recognizing the signs early is crucial. If your child is holding books too close, squinting at the board or frequently complaining of headaches, it may be time for an eye exam. Solutions can help slow myopia progression include:
- MiyoSmart glasses – specialized lenses designed to control worsening lens prescriptions
- Atropine eye drops – a low-dose treatment that helps slow the eye’s elongation
- Specialized contact lenses – myopia-control contact lenses that offer an effective alternative to traditional glasses
Screen time & eye health: Small changes, big impact
Excessive screen time and prolonged near work can accelerate myopia progression. Dr. Bains recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Lighting also plays a critical role. "Watching screens in the dark can contribute to worsening prescriptions," Dr. Bains advises. "Always ensure the room is well-lit."
And what about blue light glasses? While they don’t prevent myopia, some parents find they help reduce digital eye strain. “Blue light glasses won’t stop myopia,” Dr. Bains says, “but some children find they help with eye fatigue from screens. Parents have told me their kids feel less strain and discomfort when using them.”
One of the simplest and most effective ways to delay myopia progression is spending more time outdoors. Studies show that children who get at least two hours of outdoor play daily have a lower risk of myopia progression. Natural light helps regulate healthy eye growth and reduces strain from close-up activities.
"We make it a family habit now," Sarah adds. "After school, instead of jumping on the iPad, we take a walk or go to the park."
A future of clear vision
Dr. Bains encourages parents to schedule an eye exam today by calling Morgan Creek Optometry at 604-542-9400. Early detection and proactive management are the keys to future-proofing their eyesight for years to come.