Is Your Child’s Nearsightedness Getting Worse? Signs It’s Time for Myopia Management

Is your child squinting to see the classroom board or needing stronger glasses every year? These changes may indicate that their nearsightedness is progressing. At Kent Eye Clinic in Kent, WA, we offer myopia management to help slow the progression of nearsightedness and protect children's long-term eye health.

Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Because myopia often progresses throughout childhood, recognizing early warning signs is important.

Common Signs Your Child's Myopia Is Getting Worse

Children may not realize their vision is changing, especially when the changes happen gradually. Parents should watch for signs that suggest their child's nearsightedness needs attention.

Common warning signs include:

•          Frequent squinting: Your child squints to see distant objects, classroom boards, or television screens.

•          Sitting closer to screens: They move closer to the television or computer to see clearly.

•          Difficulty seeing at school: Your child struggles to read information displayed across the classroom.

•          Frequent prescription changes: Their glasses or contact lens prescription becomes stronger during routine eye exams.

•          Trouble with distance activities: They have difficulty seeing clearly during sports or other activities requiring distance vision.

If you notice these changes, scheduling a pediatric eye exam in Kent can help determine whether your child's myopia is progressing.

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

Myopia often develops during childhood and can worsen as the eyes continue growing. Children who develop nearsightedness at younger ages may experience greater progression over time. While traditional prescription glasses correct blurry distance vision, they generally do not slow myopia progression. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risks of eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

Myopia management focuses on slowing excessive eye growth rather than simply updating prescriptions. Starting treatment early may help reduce how nearsighted a child becomes.

Myopia Management Options at Kent Eye Clinic

At Kent Eye Clinic, we offer personalized myopia management based on your child's age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. Our treatment options include MiSight 1 day contact lenses, which are specially designed daily disposable lenses that correct vision while helping slow myopia progression.

We also offer orthokeratology (Ortho-K), which uses specially fitted contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. In appropriately selected children, Ortho-K may also help slow myopia progression. Additional options include soft multifocal contact lenses and Essilor Stellest lenses, specialized eyeglass lenses designed to help control worsening nearsightedness. We evaluate each child's needs to determine which approach may be most appropriate.

Healthy Habits That Support Myopia Management

Alongside treatment, healthy visual habits can support your child's eye health. Encourage regular outdoor activity, breaks from prolonged near work, and a comfortable reading distance.

Although these habits may help reduce the risk of myopia development or progression, they do not replace professional myopia management when treatment is needed.

When Should You Schedule a Myopia Evaluation?

If your child's prescription keeps changing or they struggle with distance vision, an eye exam can help identify whether their nearsightedness is progressing. Regular monitoring also allows us to evaluate treatment effectiveness and make adjustments when necessary. If mom or dad have a prescription, it would be important for their children to be seen annually since genetics plays a big role in determining if a child will develop myopia.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Kent Eye Clinic to explore myopia management options. Contact our office in Kent, WA, by calling (253) 852-2120 to book an appointment today.