About MyMyopia for Parents
MyMyopia empowers you to take control of your or your child’s myopia. Get clear, actionable guidance backed by experts so you can protect vision health for years to come.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition where the eye’s shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This affects a person’s ability to see clearly at a distance, making everyday tasks like reading signs, seeing the board in school, or driving more difficult. Myopia often begins in childhood and can worsen over time if left unmanaged.
Rising Rates of Myopia in Children
Myopia is becoming more common in children due to lifestyle changes such as increased screen time and less outdoor activity, both of which can affect its progression. Genetics also play a role, as children with nearsighted parents are at higher risk. Because of these factors, early detection and proper management are essential to slow myopia progression and protect long-term vision.
Myopia Management Education and Resources
MyMyopia provides up-to-date articles to help patients understand myopia, explore treatment options, and learn effective long-term management strategies to maintain eye health and effectively reduce symptoms.
Your eye doctor will check for myopia through:
- Visual acuity tests (eye charts) to find out how well you can see at different distances.
- Retinoscopy using light to measure how your eyes focus.
- Phoropter testing to find out the precise lens prescription needed for vision correction.
These tests help determine the severity of myopia and guide treatment options such as glasses, contact lenses, or myopia management strategies.
Symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- Squinting or straining to see clearly
- Headaches caused by eye strain
- Difficulty seeing road signs, the classroom board, TV, etc. from a distance
- Frequent blinking or eye rubbing, particularly in children
- Holding books or devices very close to the face
- Trouble seeing while driving, especially at night (night myopia)
If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Early intervention is key to protecting your vision long-term.
There are several ways to manage and treat myopia, including:
- Eyeglasses: Prescription lenses are the most common and straightforward way to correct distance vision.
- Contact Lenses: Soft or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses offer an alternative to glasses that may be preferred for aesthetics or convenience.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special RGP lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, allowing for clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.
- Refractive Surgery: LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) reshapes the cornea to improve vision permanently.
- Myopia Control Solutions: Specially designed multifocal or bifocal lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops to slow progression in children and adolescents.
- Lifestyle Changes: More outdoor time and less screen time can help manage myopia progression.
- Vision Therapy: In some cases, eye exercises may be recommended to improve overall eye function.
Many of these options can also be combined for even better results. Find out what works for you by talking to an eye care professional.
Coming soon! We are working hard to bring you the latest expert articles, research and guidance on myopia diagnosis, treatment and long-term management – all vetted by eye care specialists.
Myopia Management Clinic Locator
The doctors of the MyMyopia network have dedicated significant time and energy to learn all they can about myopia management. Patients who visit a network doctor can expect to receive a high standard of care when it comes to diagnosing and treating your myopia. Our clinic locator is coming soon, and it will be the easiest way to connect you with highly trained doctors specializing in myopia management.
