Signs Your Child May Need Myopia Control (That Parents Often Miss)
Many parents assume nearsightedness is just part of growing up. Glasses get stronger, kids sit closer to screens, and life goes on. Here’s the thing: progressive myopia (nearsightedness) isn’t harmless, and the warning signs often show up before parents realize something is wrong.
At Vision Care Center in Bellevue, we specialize in myopia control treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. If you catch it early, you can significantly reduce how severe your child’s prescription becomes later in life.
Here are the signs parents commonly miss.
1. Frequent Prescription Changes 📈
If your child’s glasses prescription increases every year, especially by more than -0.50 diopters annually, that’s a red flag.
Rapid progression means the eye is elongating too quickly. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, and other serious eye conditions.
This is where myopia control becomes critical.
2. Sitting Very Close to Screens or the Classroom Board 👀
Kids don’t always complain about blurry vision. They adapt.
Common behaviors include:
- Sitting very close to the TV
- Holding tablets or books unusually close
- Moving to the front of the classroom
- Squinting during homework or sports
These are often dismissed as habits, but they can signal early or progressing myopia.
3. Eye Strain, Headaches, or Fatigue After School 😵💫
If your child complains of:
- Headaches after school
- Tired or sore eyes
- Difficulty focusing late in the day
It may not be “just school stress.” Visual strain from uncorrected or under-corrected myopia can quietly affect learning, attention, and comfort.
4. Strong Family History of Nearsightedness 🧬
If one or both parents are nearsighted, your child has a significantly higher risk of developing progressive myopia. If both of a child’s parents are nearsighted, they have a 50% chance of becoming nearsighted themselves!
That means early screening matters, even if your child “sees fine” right now.
5. Heavy Screen Time and Limited Outdoor Time 📱🌳
Modern childhood has changed vision development.
Risk factors include:
- Extended tablet, phone, or computer use
- Long hours of near work (reading, homework)
- Minimal outdoor daylight exposure
Studies consistently show that outdoor time helps slow myopia progression, while excessive near work accelerates it.
6. “My Child Just Got Glasses Last Year” — and Already Needs Stronger Ones 🕶️
This one catches parents off guard.
If your child needs glasses at a young age and their prescription is already increasing, that’s often the ideal window to start myopia control. The younger the child, the faster the progression.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia control uses specialized treatments designed not just to correct vision, but to slow eye growth (reducing prescription increases).
At Vision Care Center, we offer evidence-based options including:
- Ortho-K: Overnight lenses that reshape the cornea while your child sleeps
- MiSight® daily contact lenses: FDA-approved soft lenses designed for myopia control
- Stellest® lenses: Advanced spectacle lenses for children who aren’t ready for contacts
Each option has different benefits, and we help families choose what fits their child’s age, lifestyle, and vision needs.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Myopia doesn’t just mean thicker glasses.
Higher levels of nearsightedness increase the risk of:
- Retinal tears and detachment
- Glaucoma
- Early cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration later in life
Slowing progression early can make a lifelong difference.
When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?
If your child:
- Has already been diagnosed with myopia
- Is under age 12 and wearing glasses
- Has rapidly changing prescriptions
- Has a family history of nearsightedness
…it’s time for a myopia control consultation, not just a routine eye exam.
Bottom Line
Most parents don’t realize myopia can be managed. They assume stronger glasses are inevitable.
They’re not.
With early detection and modern myopia control treatments, we can help protect your child’s vision long-term.
📅 Concerned about your child’s vision?
Schedule a FREE myopia control evaluation at Vision Care Center in Bellevue today.
Dr. Jordan Jin
Vision Care Center
14700 NE 8th St, Ste 105
Bellevue, WA 98007
📞 (425) 746-2122