Is Your Child’s Prescription Getting Stronger Every Year? Why Myopia Control May Help

If your child needs stronger glasses every year, their nearsightedness may be progressing. Myopia, also called nearsightedness, often develops during childhood and can continue to increase as the eyes grow. At Mission Family Optometry in Granada Hills, we help parents understand how their child’s vision is changing and whether myopia control may be appropriate. Rather than simply updating a glasses prescription each year, myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness over time.

Why Does Myopia Get Worse in Children?

Myopia typically occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision may remain clear.

Because children’s eyes are still developing, their prescription can change as they grow. Genetics can play a role, but lifestyle factors, including significant amounts of near work and limited outdoor time, may also be associated with myopia progression.

Signs Your Child’s Myopia May Be Progressing

Regular pediatric eye exams are important because children may not always realize their vision has changed. Parents may notice:

•          Squinting to see the board, TV, or distant objects

•          Sitting closer to screens or moving closer to see clearly

•          Needing stronger glasses at yearly eye exams

•          Complaining about blurry distance vision

•          Difficulty recognizing people or objects from farther away

If these changes are occurring regularly, a myopia control evaluation in Granada Hills can help determine whether additional treatment should be considered.

How Myopia Control Can Help

Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct blurry vision, but they do not necessarily address how quickly myopia is progressing. Myopia control treatments are designed to slow progression during the years when a child’s prescription may be changing most rapidly.

Depending on your child’s age, prescription, eye health, and individual needs, treatment may include options such as overnight Ortho-K lenses, atropine eye drops, or specialized multifocal contact lenses. Our goal is to create a personalized approach that supports clear vision today while helping manage changes in your child’s eyesight over time.

When Should Parents Consider Myopia Management?

You do not need to wait until your child has a very strong prescription. If their nearsightedness has recently developed or continues to increase from one eye exam to the next, it may be worthwhile to discuss myopia control. Our eye doctor in Granada Hills can evaluate your child’s prescription and eye health to determine whether myopia management is appropriate.

Schedule your child’s myopia evaluation with Mission Family Optometry to learn how we can help protect their developing vision. Visit our office in Granada Hills, California, or call (818) 360-7522 to book an appointment today.