What is Myopia
Myopia, also known as near sightedness, results in poor distance vision. A person with myopia can see clearly up close but requires glasses or contact lenses to see far away. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too quickly. Earlier onset = Faster progression.
Simple glasses or contact lenses are not the whole story anymore. If your child is already myopic, or at risk, we can now reduce how much their myopia will worsen. Genetics, environment and individual habits can all contribute to excess lengthening of the eye.
Why Should We Be Concerned?
Myopia is a lifelong condition that reduces quality of life and increases the risk of serious eye diseases. Even with glasses or contact lenses, the risk increases for:
Every increase in prescription heightens the risk, so it’s important to take action early.
Common Symptoms of Myopia
Is Your Child at Risk?
Your child may be at a higher risk for developing myopia if they:
The good news: many of these risk factors are modifiable!
Myopia is a lifelong condition that reduces quality of life and increases the risk of serious eye diseases.
- Retinal detachment
- Macular degeneration / Myopic Maculopathy
- Glaucoma
Every increase in prescription heightens the risk, so it’s important to take action early.
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
- Sitting closely to the TV or screens
- One or both parents with myopia
- Asian ethnicity
- Poor eye alignment or focusing
- Less than 1.5 hours outdoors
- More than 3 hours of close work
- Late bedtime
The good news: many of these risk factors are modifiable!
What Can We Do?
At Innisfail Eyecare centre we offer a range of proven myopia management strategies tailored to your child’s needs, including glasses, contact lenses and drop based options.
- Increase outdoor time – at least 90 minutes outdoors per day
- Limit close-down activities – less than 2 hours outside schoolwork
- Hold close work at least 30 cm away from the eyes
- Follow the 20–20–20 rule – every 20 minutes take a 20-second break
- Encourage early bedtimes and adequate sleep (especially under 12 years old)
We prescribe therapeutic lenses that slow myopia progression by 60%.
- Myopia Control Glasses - look nearly identical to traditional single vision glasses
- Brands we offer: Miyomart by Hoya, MyoCare by Zeiss
- Available with Transitions
- Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses - Daily disposable contact lenses that are safe and easy to wear
- Brands we offer: MiSight by Cooper Vision, Abiliti by Johnson & Johnson
- Orthokeratology – custom lenses worn overnight to reshape the eye and eliminate the need for daytime lenses
- Safe and effective
- Well tolerated
- Reduce progression by 30-50%
Protect Your Child's Sight
No two children are the same. Our optometrists will develop a personalized myopia control plan that supports both your child’s current vision and their long-term eye health. The intent of myopia management is to slow the lengthening of the eyeball to reduce risk of future complications and should be started at the first signs of progression.
References
Don’t Wait – Early Detection is Key
If your child is experiencing symptoms, is at risk, or is already nearsighted, book an eye exam today. Early intervention is key to slowing myopia progression.
Call 403-227-3366 To Discuss