If you’ve noticed your child squinting or holding a tablet too close to their face, it could be a sign of nearsightedness (also known as myopia). Myopia is becoming more common around the world, especially among young children.¹
While standard contact lenses and glasses can correct vision, they don’t slow myopia progression. At Family Eye Care, we offer myopia management in Bristol to reduce the rate of changes in your child’s prescription. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, starting myopia management early can help protect their vision and lower the risk of future eye problems.
Why it’s important to start myopia control early
Myopia typically worsens during childhood and teenage years, when the eyes are still growing. Starting myopia management early can slow this progression and reduce the risk of high myopia later in life, which is linked to conditions like:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
Even children with low or moderate myopia benefit from early treatment, as it can protect their vision and help maintain healthier eyes over time.
When to start myopia management
There isn’t a single “right” age for every child, but many children can begin treatment as young as 5 or 6 years old once myopia is detected. Early intervention helps keep their prescription lower and supports healthier eye development. A pediatric eye exam is the best way to determine if your child is ready for myopia management.
Benefits of myopia control
Myopia control does more than help kids see clearly—it supports long-term visual health and comfort. By managing how the eyes grow and focus, treatment helps your child experience fewer prescription changes and maintain steadier vision as they get older.
Other benefits include:
- Healthier eye development: Slowing eye growth helps reduce the strain on the retina and other delicate eye structures.
- More visual freedom: With stable vision, your child can feel more confident in school, sports, and everyday activities.
- Customized care: Options like specialty contact lenses or glasses can be tailored to your child’s unique vision needs and lifestyle.
Signs your child may need myopia management
If you’re unsure whether your child needs intervention, watch for these common signs of nearsightedness:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Holding books, screens, or tablets too close to their face
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive blinking
Protect your child’s vision now and in the future
The best time to start myopia management is as soon as nearsightedness is detected. Early care can keep your child’s prescription lower and their eyes healthier for years to come.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team in Bristol today—your child’s eyes will thank you!
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