Have you noticed your child inching closer to the TV or holding their tablet right up to their face? These little habits may seem harmless, but they could be early signs of nearsightedness, also known as myopia. With early detection and the right care, you can keep your child’s vision from worsening over time.
At New England EyeWorks, we offer myopia management in Keene to slow myopia progression and keep your child seeing clearly. In this blog, we’ll explain what myopia is, the signs parents should watch for, and how treatments like MiSight® 1 day contact lenses can protect your child’s future eyesight.
What is myopia?
Myopia happens when the eye grows slightly longer than normal or the cornea curves too steeply. As a result, distant objects look blurry while nearby ones remain clear. It often develops in school-age children and can worsen as they grow.
Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses each year—it’s also linked to a higher risk of eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment. Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect myopia early and allow your child’s optometrist to monitor vision changes over time.
Early signs of myopia in children
Kids don’t always realize their vision has changed, so parents and teachers are often the ones to spot early clues. Here are a few signs that your child may be nearsighted:
- Squinting to see faraway objects
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close to their face
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain
- Struggling to read the board at school
- Reduced attention span during visual tasks
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a pediatric eye exam. Our experienced eye doctors in Keene can evaluate your child’s vision and determine whether myopia is developing.
How to stop myopia progression
At New England EyeWorks, we offer several ways to slow myopia progression and protect your child’s eyesight. One of the most effective options is MiSight® 1 day contact lenses.
These daily disposable soft lenses are designed specifically for children. They are the first and only soft contact lenses FDA-approved to slow myopia progression in kids ages 8–12 when treatment begins. Over a three-year period, MiSight® 1 day lenses were shown to reduce myopia progression by 59%.¹ They’re comfortable, easy to use, and provide clear vision for all your child’s daily activities.
In addition to MiSight®, we also offer prescription kids’ glasses and other contact lenses that can correct vision and support healthy eye development. Through regular comprehensive eye exams, our optometrists monitor your child’s vision and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
Why regular eye exams matter
Children’s eyes grow and change quickly, and those changes can happen without obvious symptoms. Regular eye exams at every stage of development help ensure your child’s vision stays on track, even if they seem to see well.
During an eye exam, our optometrists assess more than how clearly your child sees. We check eye coordination, focusing ability, and eye health to catch any issues before they affect learning or daily life.
Help your child see clearly for years to come
Clear vision helps kids learn with confidence, perform better in school, and enjoy everyday activities. If you’ve noticed any signs of myopia or your child hasn’t had a recent pediatric eye exam, now’s the perfect time to schedule one. Call our office or fill out our online appointment request form to book your child’s visit today.
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