Myopia continues to increase globally, with screen time and reduced outdoor activity. In the following sections, discover how pediatric myopia is detected and how to keep it under control.

What Is Pediatric Myopia?

Pediatric myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common visual condition that begins in childhood, typically between the ages of 6 and 14. This means that near things appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long in an anterior-posterior direction, causing light to be focused in front, rather than on the retina.

Almost every child in the world goes through it – 5% of preschoolers, 9% school children, and 30% of teenagers. Its rates can differ—Asian children have higher rates than other kids. Pediatric myopia doesn’t just cause blurry distance vision; it can progressively worsen and cause serious eye complications if not controlled early.

Signs Your Child Can’t See Clearly

1. The Growing Eye
   

   Children’s eyes grow over time, and excess growth can lead to myopia. Genetics and environment both play a role. Regular eye exams help detect early changes, allowing for treatment like special glasses or outdoor time to slow progression.

2. The Blurry Vision
   

   Pediatric myopia causes blurry distance vision, making it hard to see the board or play sports. Watch for signs like squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaints about vision. Early exams are key.

3. The Progression Risk
   

   Untreated myopia can lead to high myopia and serious complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma. Myopia worsens with age—especially in childhood—so early intervention is critical.

4. Long-Term Impact

Myopia often starts earlier and progresses faster in kids than in adults. Early onset increases long-term risk. Knowing your family history and acting early can protect your future vision.

Why Is Myopia Increasing?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rising rapidly among children worldwide. It’s driven by a mix of genetics, modern lifestyles, and increased near work — all shaping each child’s individual risk.

Genetic Links

Kids are more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents are nearsighted, especially if both are. A refraction of -1.25 diopters or worse at a young age signals faster progression. While genetics plays a strong role, the rise in global cases suggests the environment matters too. Knowing family history helps doctors monitor high-risk children, and genetic counselling may benefit some families.

Environmental Shifts

Urban lifestyles mean more indoor time, screen use, and less outdoor play—factors linked to higher myopia rates. Cities like Singapore show faster progression compared to more outdoor-based cultures. Encouraging kids to play outside daily can help protect their vision.

Near Work Impact

Extended reading, homework, or screen use, strains young eyes and speeds up myopia, especially in early childhood, which can cause eye focusing problems. Following the 20-20-20 rule and limiting screen time can reduce strain and support healthier visual development.

Recognizing Myopia In Children

Myopia often begins between the ages of 6 and 14, but early signs can be subtle. Catching it early helps slow progression and reduce long-term impact.

Regular eye exams — starting as early as 6 to 12 months — are key. Watch for these common signs:

• Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
• Holding screens or books very close
• Headaches or eye fatigue
• Trouble seeing distant objects (e.g., classroom board)
• Sitting very close to TVs or monitors
• Avoiding activities that rely on distance vision

Early detection means earlier support — helping protect your child’s sight for the future.

Parents’ Role In Eye Health

Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common in children worldwide. It allows clear up-close vision but blurs distant objects, and if unmanaged, it can lead to more serious eye issues over time.

As a parent, your awareness matters. Watch for signs like squinting, headaches, or difficulty seeing faraway objects. Even if kids don’t complain, routine eye exams — ideally starting before school age — are vital. Children with risk factors, such as a parent with high myopia or early signs of rapid eye growth, may need more frequent visits.

Kids’ eyes grow quickly between the ages of 6 and 12. Understanding your child’s risk helps guide care and monitoring.

Encouraging outdoor time (at least 1–2 hours a day) supports healthy eye development. Sunlight and distance viewing help reduce myopia risk. While reading and screen time aren’t the main culprits, ensure good lighting and regular eye breaks during near work.

Today’s treatments offer real help. Low-dose atropine drops, and specially designed lenses can slow myopia progression safely and effectively. Combined with regular care and early detection, these tools help preserve your child’s vision for the future.

Conclusion

Children’s vision can change quickly, and myopia is appearing earlier than ever. The signs—like squinting or sitting too close to screens—can be easy to miss. Early action makes a big difference. Simple habits like regular screen breaks, daily outdoor time, and routine eye exams help protect growing eyes. Clear vision boosts confidence in school, sports, and everyday life. Stay proactive—book an eye exam today and consult your optometrist for personalized advice. Small steps now mean healthier eyes for years to come.

Don’t wait until symptoms get worse — early detection is key in managing pediatric myopia. Book a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today. Visit drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416-656-2020 (Toronto) or 416-661-5555 (North York). Let’s protect your child’s vision.

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Understanding Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. Genetics play a significant role in its development, with children of myopic parents being more likely to develop it.

Myopia typically progresses during childhood and adolescence due to various factors like excessive near work and limited outdoor activities. As individuals age, the progression tends to slow down but might still continue.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of myopia. These include spending excessive time on close-up tasks like reading or using digital devices, lack of outdoor exposure, and a family history of myopia.

1. Glasses

Glasses are the most common way to manage myopia. They help in improving vision by adjusting the way light enters the eye.

Wearing glasses for myopia can significantly enhance visual clarity, making daily activities such as reading, driving, and watching TV much easier. By correcting the refractive error in the eye, glasses ensure that light focuses correctly on the retina.

Glasses offer a non-invasive and convenient solution for managing nearsightedness. They are suitable for people of all ages and can be customized to individual prescriptions, ensuring optimal vision correction. Regular visits to an optometrist are essential to monitor any changes in vision and update prescriptions accordingly.

2. Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are designed to help reduce the progression of myopia by altering how light focuses on the retina. By providing clear vision at varying distances, these lenses offer a more comprehensive solution compared to traditional glasses.

The flexibility and adaptability of soft contact lenses make them a popular choice among individuals seeking comfortable and convenient myopia management options. Unlike glasses, these lenses sit directly on the eye, providing a wider field of vision without any obstructions.

Soft contact lenses also have an aesthetic appeal. For many individuals, the ability to correct myopia without the need for visible eyewear can boost confidence and self-esteem. Especially in social or professional settings where appearances matter, these lenses offer a discreet and seamless way to manage myopia without drawing attention to visual aids.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses work by reshaping the cornea temporarily while you sleep. The process of Ortho-K is non-surgical and aims to flatten the cornea’s curvature. By doing so, it corrects refractive errors like myopia, offering clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts during the day.

Ortho-K is highly effective in managing myopia progression, especially in children and young adults. It slows down the elongation of the eyeball that causes myopia to worsen over time.

With regular use of Ortho-K lenses, individuals can experience reduced dependence on corrective eyewear during waking hours. This treatment option not only provides clear vision but also helps control the advancement of myopia.

Moreover, Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for those involved in sports or professions where wearing glasses or contacts may be inconvenient. The convenience and effectiveness of Orthokeratology make it a preferred choice for many seeking myopia management solutions.

4. Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops contain a medication called atropine, which is a type of anticholinergic drug. These drops work by dilating the pupil and temporarily paralyzing the eye’s focusing muscles.

Atropine drops are commonly used to manage myopia progression in children. To learn how to prevent myopia progression in children, check out our blog here. By dilating the pupil, atropine drops reduce the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, thus relieving strain on the eyes and potentially slowing down myopia development.

When children with myopia use atropine eye drops regularly, they experience reduced eye fatigue and strain. The dilation caused by atropine helps in controlling the elongation of the eyeball, a common factor in myopia progression.

5. Outdoor Time And Lifestyle Changes

Spending more time outdoors, particularly during daylight hours, is crucial for managing myopia effectively. Research shows that individuals who engage in outdoor activities have a lower risk of developing or worsening myopia. Natural light exposure plays a significant role in regulating eye growth and preventing the progression of nearsightedness.

Incorporating lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time and taking frequent breaks while engaging in close-up tasks like reading or using digital devices can also aid in managing myopia. These adjustments help alleviate eye strain and reduce the stress on the eyes, contributing to better overall eye health.

Balancing indoor activities with outdoor pursuits is essential for maintaining good eye health and managing myopia effectively. By alternating between tasks that require close-up focus and those that involve looking into the distance, individuals can give their eyes the necessary breaks to prevent eye fatigue and strain.

These three approaches—Ortho-K, atropine eye drops, and outdoor time/lifestyle changes—are the top 5 ways to manage myopia and slow down its progression as well. However, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable management plan based on individual needs and circumstances.

If you or your child is struggling with myopia, it’s important that you take the proper steps to prevent any further progression of the eye condition. Booking an appointment with an optometrist is the first step to diagnosing and treating an eye condition, like myopia. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects appear clearly, but distant objects are blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature. Myopia can develop in childhood and typically progresses until the late teens. If you think your child might have myopia, read our blog to learn about 5 signs of myopia in children.

Individuals with myopia often face challenges in activities like driving, watching TV, or recognizing faces from a distance. The need for corrective lenses becomes essential for clear vision.

Genetics play a significant role in the development of myopia. Family history of myopia increases the likelihood of an individual developing the condition. Research suggests that children with both parents being nearsighted have a 60-80% chance of developing myopia themselves. Genetic factors determine the shape and size of the eye, impacting its ability to focus light properly.

Treatments For Standard Myopia

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are a common and effective way to correct myopia. They work by altering the way light enters the eye, helping to focus images correctly on the retina. Eyeglasses are easy to use and come in various styles and designs.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer a more discreet option for correcting myopia compared to eyeglasses. These lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, providing clear vision without any noticeable frames. Contact lenses require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent eye infections.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting myopia during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Orthokeratology can be beneficial for individuals who find wearing corrective lenses during the day inconvenient.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, or laser eye surgery, reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. This surgical procedure offers a long-term solution for myopia, providing clear vision without visual aids.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops have shown promise in controlling the progression of myopia in children. By dilating the pupil and temporarily paralyzing the eye’s focusing muscles, these drops help reduce strain on the eyes and slow down myopia progression. However, prolonged use of atropine may cause sensitivity to light.

Lifestyle Changes

Making simple lifestyle changes can also help manage myopia. Spending time outdoors, taking regular breaks from close-up work, maintaining good lighting conditions, and following proper ergonomic practices while using digital devices can all contribute to reducing eye strain and slowing down myopia progression.

Why Is Myopia So Common Today?

Modern lifestyles, characterized by increased screen time and decreased outdoor activities, contribute significantly to the rise in myopia prevalence. Prolonged screen time strains the eyes, leading to visual impairments over time. Excessive near work and limited exposure to natural light are other key factors driving this trend.

Individuals with a family history of myopia are more likely to develop the condition. Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to myopia, making it prevalent among certain populations.

Urbanization and industrialization have altered our living environments, contributing to the increasing prevalence of myopia. Pollution, lack of green spaces, and artificial lighting all impact eye health negatively.

Intense academic demands and prolonged study hours put significant strain on children’s eyes. The educational system’s emphasis on close-up work contributes to the high incidence of myopia among students.

Last, limited awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups results in individuals failing to recognize the early signs of myopia, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Neo-Technology To Help Prevention Of Myopia

Benefits Of Neo-Technology

Neo-technology, also known as advanced technology, incorporates innovative approaches to tackle various health issues, including myopia. By utilizing cutting-edge tools and techniques, such as smart glasses and vision training apps, neo-technology aims to address the root causes of myopia. These technological solutions offer personalized vision correction and visual exercises tailored to each individual’s needs. Unlike traditional methods, neo-technology provides a more holistic approach to prevent and manage myopia effectively.

Role Of Smart Glasses

Smart glasses equipped with augmented reality (AR) features play a crucial role in combating myopia. These glasses offer real-time visual feedback to users, encouraging them to adopt better eye habits and reduce eye strain. By leveraging AR technology, smart glasses can provide interactive vision therapy, helping individuals maintain optimal eye health. These devices promote visual relaxation through targeted exercises, contributing to myopia prevention.

Vision Training Apps

In the digital age, vision training apps have emerged as valuable tools for myopia prevention. These apps leverage gamification techniques to make vision exercises engaging and enjoyable for users of all ages. Through interactive activities and challenges, vision training apps stimulate visual acuity and promote eye muscle strength. By incorporating progress tracking features, these apps enable individuals to monitor their eye health improvements over time.

What Is Axial Length In Myopia Care

Axial length, the distance between the front and back of the eye, is crucial in myopia care. Measuring axial length accurately provides valuable insights into the severity and progression of myopia. By tracking changes in axial length over time, eye care professionals can effectively monitor the condition’s development.

Measuring axial length offers a more precise assessment of myopia compared to traditional methods like spectacle prescriptions. Individuals with longer axial lengths tend to have higher degrees of myopia. This information helps in determining the risk of complications associated with severe myopia, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

In myopia management, understanding axial length plays a pivotal role. It aids in customizing treatment strategies based on individual needs. For instance, individuals with rapidly increasing axial lengths may require more aggressive interventions to slow down myopia progression effectively.

As research continues to delve into myopia management, further insights into the relationship between axial length and myopia progression are being uncovered. This knowledge paves the way for innovative treatments that target specific aspects of eye growth to better control myopia development.

Are you looking for a way to manage your myopia? Book an appointment with Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today to learn about specific treatment plans for your myopia. Call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location, or book an appointment online at https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/

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 1. Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are the most common form of treatment for individuals with myopia. As they are a simple and safe option to correct nearsightedness, eyeglasses are often given to children with myopia. Eyeglasses are also helpful for individuals who do not have serious myopia. This means that you could choose when to wear them, such as when driving, sitting at the back of a classroom, or watching a movie.

2. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are another common treatment for myopia. Some individuals believe that contact lenses allow you to see sharper than eyeglasses, as they produce a more natural field of vision. Contact lenses are recommended for children with myopia who play sports, as they will stay put, allowing the child to see the entire time. Although they are a good alternative to eyeglasses, maintaining the cleanliness of eye contacts can be a hassle. It might also be more difficult to convince your child with myopia to wear contact lenses.

3. LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery, or laser eye surgery, is a treatment that is used to perform refractive surgery for the correction of various eye disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The main goal of the surgery is to change the shape of the cornea, so that the retina can focus better on the images, thus allowing you to see clearer. LASIK surgery can be quite expensive, so it is only recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with high myopia, which is indicated by a refractive error of greater than -6.

4. Ortho-K

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is the custom fitting of contact lenses for individuals with irregularly shaped corneas. Since myopia occurs when the cornea is too steeply curved, Ortho-K can help treat it. The contact lenses are often worn throughout the night, so when the person is awake, the cornea will be reshaped. Ortho-K is ideal for individuals with mild myopia, as the cornea reshape only lasts temporarily. This helps the individual get through the day without experiencing nearsightedness.

5. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK is a form of laser corneal surgery similar to that of LASIK. The main difference between the two is that PRK requires the surgeon to remove the epithelium of the eye. Then, the surgeon will use the laser to reshape the cornea. The surgeon will provide the patient with a protective contact lens that covers the cornea until the epithelium grows back naturally and adhere to the new shape of the cornea. While both are similar surgeries, PRK may last longer than LASIK, so if you struggle with high myopia and need a fix for the long run, PRK is the way to go.

If you, or your child, have been diagnosed with myopia, it’s important that you talk to your optometrist to discuss the different routes of treatment specific to your lifestyle. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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1. Limit Screen Time

If your children use handheld screens, like tablets, phones, or others, you might have noticed that they bring the screen extremely close to their eyes, so the images are clearer. Although screens are commonly used today to occupy children, it’s important to limit their screen time to less than 2 hours a day. Screen time of more than 45 minutes without a break has been linked to myopia in children. When your child begins to sit in front of a screen, make sure to set a timer, so you can limit the amount of time they spend viewing it.

2. Increase The Time Spent Outside

With the increase in technology nowadays, the amount of time spent outside by children is certainly decreasing. While indoor play, without screen usage, is still valuable, outdoor play is crucial to decreasing the effects of myopia in children. In fact, studies have shown that spending 3 hours outside in the sun helps lower the risk of myopia. Make sure to monitor the activities your child is participating in and encourage them to spend more time playing outside.

3. Invest In Atropine Eye Drops

If your child with myopia begins experiencing eye fatigue, due to focusing too hard on an object, these drops can help them. Atropine eye drops dilate pupils, so that it can reduce eye fatigue, and therefore, can help control myopia. Although eye drops seem like a simple solution, helping to put eye drops in your child’s eyes might prove very difficult. If your optometrist has told you to invest in atropine eye drops, make sure to go over the process with your child first, so that the entire procedure runs smoothly.

4. Use Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology can also be known as Ortho-k. Ortho-k is simply the custom fitting of contact lenses for individuals with irregularly shaped corneas. For children with myopia, their cornea is too steeply curved, thus making Ortho-k a great option to prevent myopia progression. The Ortho-k lenses are molded specially, so that when it is worn throughout the night, the child’s cornea is reshaped. In the morning, the child can take out the lenses, and they will be able to see clearly without eyeglasses or prescription contact lenses.

5. Get Annual Eye Examinations

Although the methods above are great ways to prevent the progression of myopia in children, getting annual eye exams is the most important step. If your child sees an optometrist once a year, you can diagnose myopia, and other eye conditions, early on. Diagnosing myopia early into its progression is crucial, so the optometrist can provide myopia management or specific treatment as soon as possible. For instance, if you think contact lenses or eye drops will be too difficult to implement with your child, your optometrist might suggest that you purchase eyeglasses with specialized lenses, such as the MyoVision Pro lens or the MyoSmart lens. Lenses like these are a safe, easy, and effective way to reduce myopia progression in children.

If you have noticed signs of myopia in your child, it’s important that you take the proper steps to preventing any further progression of the eye condition. Booking an appointment with an optometrist is the first step to diagnosing and treating an eye condition, like myopia. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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1. Myopia

Myopia is an eye condition when a person is nearsighted, meaning that they cannot see far distances. Without early diagnosis, myopia can make school more difficult for children, especially if they are sitting far away from the teacher’s board. Additionally, observation by parents or guardians are crucial to diagnosing myopia in young children. To find out more about the signs and symptoms of myopia in children, click here.

2. Amblyopia

Amblyopia is more commonly known as lazy eye. If a child doesn’t use their eye adequately during childhood, they might develop a lazy eye. Amblyopia is formed when the brain doesn’t fully process input from one eye, so, instead, it overcompensates with the other eye. Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children, so early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent this. Some examples of treatment include wearing an eye patch or eyeglasses, using therapeutic eye drops, and in some cases, even surgery.

3. Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye condition that refers to the misalignment of one’s eyes. Usually, the eye will be turned inwards towards the nose, or outwards towards the ear. If a child has strabismus, it is highly likely that they will develop amblyopia. Sometimes children with strabismus will tilt their head, so their eyes can align, or they might squint excessively in bright lights. To improve strabismus coordination, the eye must be stimulated by using eyeglasses, eye drops, or an eye patch.

4. Pediatric Cataracts

Pediatric cataracts refers to cataracts in young children. Although most individuals associate cataracts with elderly people, cataracts can also be found in young children. Children who have cataracts might have developed them genetically, or through infection or trauma while in the womb. In pediatric cataracts, the lens of the eye appears cloudy, therefore, impairing the child’s vision. Based on the severity of the cataract, the child might need special treatment, including surgery to remove the cataract.

5. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelids. It is accompanied by pinkness, discharge, and an itching or burning sensation. Conjunctivitis is quite common in children, especially when it’s related to bacteria, viruses, and allergies. At such a young age, children’s immune systems are still quite weak. When it comes to conjunctivitis, it’s commonly contracted through daycares or elementary schools, as these places are often covered with germs. Teaching your children to wash their hands before touching their eyes is an important method to avoid getting conjunctivitis.

If you believe there has been a change in your child’s vision, Dr D’Orio Eyecare will find the most appropriate treatment for them, so they can go back to exploring the world with healthy childlike eyes. To book an appointment today, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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1. Squinting Or Rubbing Eyes

The most obvious signs of myopia in children are squinting or rubbing eyes. As squinting helps to temporarily clear up vision for objects in the distance, it is a clear sign that your child might be suffering from myopia. Sometimes teachers are better able to recognize this symptom, as students might squint when trying to view the words on the board. Rubbing eyes is a similar symptom of myopia. Children will usually rub their eyes when their eyes feel strained or fatigued. It is also a response to nearsightedness, since rubbing eyes will help your child’s eyes focus better.

2. Sitting Close To The Television

If your child loves to watch television, make sure to pay close attention to their behaviours while looking at the television screen. If your child opts out of sitting on the chairs or couches that are placed in front of the TV screen, so that they could sit closer to the TV, your child might be showing signs of myopia. The next time you notice your child moving closer to the screen make sure to ask them if sitting far away made the images blurry.

3. Headaches From Eyestrain

Eyestrain causes headaches in any individual. Because of this, headaches are even more common for people with undiagnosed myopia, as people will often strain their eyes to view an object in the distance. If your child has complained to you about experiencing headaches, and you can rule out other factors, it is highly likely that their uncorrected vision is causing this.

4. Bringing Objects Close To Face

Another telltale sign of myopia in children is when they bring objects close to their faces, so that they can see them better. If your child reads books or plays games on a tablet, this sign might become more apparent. The key to identifying this sign in your children is to be an observant parent or guardian. The next time your child pulls out a book or tablet, make sure to observe their behaviours closely.

5. Covering Up One Eye

The last common sign that might indicate the presence of myopia in children is if they have begun to cover up one eye to view a distant object. Covering up one’s eye is a technique that is used by many people to overcome blurry vision. Additionally, for children with myopia, they might be more nearsighted in one eye than the other, so covering up one eye might help improve their vision in the weaker eye.

When it comes to identifying signs of myopia in children, being observant is the most important step! If you have noticed that your child is squinting, rubbing eyes, or sitting closer to the television, booking an appointment with an optometrist is the next step to finding out if your child suffers from myopia. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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Symptoms of Nearsightedness

There are many symptoms that link to myopia or nearsightedness in children. Some of the biggest ones that you should look out for are:

• Squinting
• Eye strains
• Frequent headaches
• Sitting nearer to the TV
• Holding books or tablets closer to the face
• Excessive watering of the eye
• Rubbing eyes

What Does a Child With Nearsightedness See?

An easy way to remember what a child with nearsightedness sees/what this condition does for a child’s eyesight is to remember that the effects are in the name of the condition. This means that a child with nearsightedness will be able to see things near to them, but not things that are far away. Conversely, children or adults with farsightedness will be able to see things from a distance, but not things that are up close.

Why Does Nearsightedness Occur?

The eye is a very special tool with a very specific design. We are able to see distant objects because our eyes project images at our retinas (the visual focal point at the back of the eye). When the eye shape is too long (not a perfect circle) or when the lens cornea system of the eye is too strong, the picture is projected in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing part of the image to blur. This creates nearsightedness.

How To Know If Your Child Will Have Nearsightedness

Children may develop nearsightedness at any stage of their life. For some, it comes at an earlier age than others, but the reasons are always the same. If a parent (or both parents) are myopic (have nearsightedness), it is highly likely that the child will also inherit this trait. Other reasons children may develop nearsightedness include:

• Living in big cities
• Attaining a higher level of education
• Increasing number of tasks that require near-focused vision
• Looking at screens close up
• More indoor activities
• Lack of natural light

Knowing this, it is essential for your child to regularly receive eye checks to ensure that their nearsightedness is not causing other eye problems. You can find the right nearsightedness/myopia management solution today at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare. Our expert optometrists in Toronto and North York are always ready to help. Contact us today to book an appointment at either of our locations.

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What is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision problem that allows people to see things up close, but not at a distance. It is also commonly referred to as nearsightedness.

What Causes Myopia?

There are many causes of Myopia including:

• Hereditary factors: most cases of myopia are genetic. In fact, a child is three times more likely to be myopic if one parent has myopia and seven times more likely if both parents have it.
• Blue Light: the significant increase of time spent in front of screens, computers, tablets, and smartphones that give off blue light can be a factor in the increase of myopia. This is especially relevant in the cases of young children as children are often given technology that emits blue light in order to be entertained.
• Lack of outdoor activity: being outdoors allows vision to adjust to see far distances. It is important to have this sort of visual stimuli in order to develop this part of your visual capability. If children spend most of their time in front of a screen, they are not given this opportunity.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

• Limit time spent in front of a digital screen
• Practice the 20/20/20 rule with your child (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Invest in blue light glasses
• Increase time spent outdoors. Practice looking at far distances to develop sight
• Get your eyes checked regularly by your optometrist

Although myopia cases are rising in children, there is always something you can do to help treat it and/or protect your children from developing this condition. Visit Dr. D’Orio to get expert advice about myopia in children. Call us today at 416.656.2020 (Toronto location) or 416.661.5555 (North York location) to book an appointment.

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