child playing

When Children Can't See Far:

What You Need to Know About Myopia

myopia

Defining Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long and too quickly, making distant objects blurry. This condition is increasingly common, especially in children.

The Increasing Prevalence and
Severity of Myopia in Children

Diagnosis:

About three-quarters of children with myopia are diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 12.

Rising Cases:

42% of children aged 5 to 19 now have myopia, and the condition is being diagnosed at younger ages.

Future Trends:

By 2030, nearly half of North America’s population is expected to have myopia.

Myopia Levels

There is no "safe" level of myopia. However, if children can graduate from high school with a prescription no worse than -3.00 diopters, their risk of severe eye health conditions is significantly reduced. The earlier myopia begins, the faster it tends to progress.

Causes of Myopia

While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors contribute more to the development of myopia than previously believed. Spending at least 1 to 2 hours outdoors daily can help reduce the risk of developing myopia.

child eyes

Managing Myopia in Garden Grove, CA

At Orange County Vision Center in Garden Grove, we offer comprehensive management for childhood myopia, including:

Early Eye Exams:

Identifying myopia or the risk of developing it through regular eye exams at ages 3, 4, and 5 provides the best opportunity for effective treatment. Every diopter saved reduces the risk of developing myopic maculopathy by 37%.

MiSight® 1 Day
Contact Lenses:

These are the first and only FDA-approved contact lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12. MiSight® 1 day lenses not only correct your child’s vision but also help slow myopia progression as they grow.

Misight

Ortho-K
(Orthokeratology)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. By wearing these lenses while sleeping, your child can enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children, making it an ideal option for managing myopia long-term.

Learn More and Book an Appointment

Misight

To learn more about how Orange County Vision Center can help manage your child’s myopia, book a 1-on-1 appointment with us here.

For more information on the MiSight® 1 day myopia management approach, please visit Misight.com.

Additional
Resources

The Patient Journey
for Myopia

Read Here

The Importance of Consistency in Educating Parents About Myopia

Read Here