Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This refractive error makes it difficult to see clearly at a distance - like reading the board at school or recognizing faces from afar.
The prevalence of myopia has increased dramatically in recent years, particularly among children. Studies suggest this rise is linked to lifestyle changes - increased screen time, less outdoor activity, and prolonged near work such as reading or using digital devices. Genetics also plays a role; if one or both parents are nearsighted, a child has a higher risk of developing myopia.
Because myopia often develops gradually, it can be easy to overlook the early warning signs. Parents should watch for symptoms such as:
Squinting to see distant objects
Sitting very close to screens or holding books close to the face
Complaints of headaches or eye strain
Difficulty seeing the board at school
Frequent changes in prescription glasses
If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling an eye exam can help detect myopia early and prevent it from worsening.
Routine pediatric eye exams in Beaumont are essential for monitoring your child’s visual development. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of future vision complications. Our eye doctor in Beaumont uses advanced diagnostic tools to track changes in your child’s prescription and eye growth, ensuring personalized care at every stage.
Myopia management goes beyond simply prescribing stronger glasses each year. It focuses on slowing down the progression of nearsightedness to reduce the long-term risks of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy. By managing myopia early, you can help protect your child’s eyesight and preserve their visual health for life.
At Texas State Optical Dowlen, we offer several proven myopia control treatments tailored to each child’s unique needs:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day without lenses.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine can help slow the progression of myopia safely and effectively.
MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: The first FDA-approved daily disposable lens clinically proven to slow myopia in children.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Designed with multiple zones to correct vision and manage eye growth patterns.
Stellest™ Lenses: Advanced spectacle lenses that use innovative optical technology to slow down myopia progression.
Our team will guide you through each option to determine the best solution for your child’s vision needs.
Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children, but with early detection and effective management, its progression can be slowed - preserving your child’s vision for the future. We’re committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for families across Beaumont and beyond.
Schedule your child’s pediatric eye exam at Texas State Optical Dowlen to learn how our team can help manage and protect their vision for years to come.