Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming more common in kids. If your child needs stronger glasses every year, you’re not alone. More kids in Courtenay and across the Comox Valley are being diagnosed with myopia earlier than ever.
The good news? There are ways to slow it down. It’s called myopia control.
What is Myopia?
Myopia means your child can see up close, but things far away look blurry. It usually shows up in school-aged kids and tends to get worse through the teenage years. It happens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
If myopia worsens a lot over time, it can increase the risk of serious eye problems later in life, like retinal detachment or glaucoma.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control is a way to slow down how fast your child’s nearsightedness gets worse. It doesn’t “cure” myopia, but it can make a big difference in your child’s long-term eye health.
Common Myopia Control Options
- Specialty contact lenses (like MiSight): Worn during the day to help slow myopia progression.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea.
- Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops used daily to help slow eye growth.
- Multifocal glasses: Special lenses that reduce eye strain and slow progression.
Your optometrist can help choose the best option based on your child’s age, lifestyle, and eye health.
Why It Matters
The earlier myopia starts, the higher the chance it will worsen over time. Slowing it down early can protect your child’s future vision and reduce the risk of serious eye issues as an adult.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Myopia Control?
Start with a pediatric eye exam in Courtenay. Regular eye exams for kids help catch vision problems early. Signs your child might need an eye exam:
- Squinting to see the board at school
- Holding books or screens very close
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Frequent eye rubbing
Even if your child isn’t showing signs, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that kids get their first exam by age 6 months, again at 3 years, and every year after starting school.
Talk to a Local Optometrist in the Comox Valley
At smarteyes! in Courtenay, our team offers comprehensive eye exams for kids and personalized myopia control plans. We’ll explain your options and help you decide what’s best for your child.
We’re local, family-owned, and we genuinely care about helping kids see clearly today and tomorrow. Walk-in or fill out contact us form online, we are ready to help your kid!
