If your child is struggling to see the board at school, squinting at road signs, or holding books too close, they may be dealing with myopia — also known as nearsightedness. While glasses or contacts can help correct their vision, they don’t address the root issue: myopia is a progressive condition, and it often gets worse over time.
At Alderwood Optical, we work closely with families in Lynnwood and Bothell, WA, to slow that progression and protect long-term eye health. It’s called myopia management, and it can make a big difference for your child’s future.
What Is Myopia and Why Does It Matter?
Myopia is more than just blurry distance vision. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes faraway objects appear out of focus.
It typically begins in school-age children and often worsens as they grow. Without treatment, myopia can lead to higher prescriptions and increased risk of eye diseases later in life — including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
What’s behind the rise in childhood myopia? Genetics play a role, but so do lifestyle factors. Screen time and limited outdoor activity are two key contributors.
How Do I Know if My Child Has Myopia?
Some signs of myopia are easy to miss, especially in young children who may not realize their vision is blurry. Keep an eye out for:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting very close to the television
- Holding books or tablets too close
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Avoiding activities that require distance vision (like sports)
- Drop in school performance, especially when reading the board
The best way to know for sure is to schedule a pediatric eye exam. At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we check more than just vision — we look at eye development, overall health, and risk factors for progression.
What Is Myopia Management?
Unlike regular vision correction, which helps your child see clearly, myopia management aims to slow the progression of the condition. It’s a proactive way to reduce future prescription increases and protect the eyes from long-term complications.
Understanding myopia is important for parents because standard glasses and contacts don’t stop the eye from elongating. Myopia control uses treatments that influence how the eye develops over time. Starting early gives kids the best chance at long-term success.
Myopia Control Options at Alderwood Optical
Every child’s eyes are different, and we personalize care accordingly. Depending on your child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle, we may recommend:
- Orthokeratology for kids: Special lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses.
- Soft myopia control contact lenses: Worn during the day, these lenses are designed to correct vision and manage myopia progression.
- Stellest lenses: 1st ever FDA approved eyeglass lenses to prevent myopia progression
- Atropine Therapy: Eye drops used at night for myopia management
- Ongoing monitoring: Regular eye exams to track changes and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
All options are doctor-supervised, non-surgical, and safe for children. Our team will walk you through every step to make sure you and your child feel comfortable and confident.
Benefits of Starting Myopia Management Early
Starting myopia control early can have lifelong benefits, including:
- Slower progression of nearsightedness
- Lower risk of long-term vision complications
- Fewer prescription changes over time
- Improved comfort and confidence for active kids
- A better visual experience at school, during sports, and in daily life
Even if your child already wears glasses, it’s not too late to explore contact lens options for children or other myopia treatments.
Quick Answers About Myopia Management
Parents often have questions about what myopia management really means and how it affects their child’s vision in the long-term. Here are a few we hear most often in our Lynnwood and Bothell offices:
Get Trusted Myopia Care in Lynnwood and Bothell, WA at Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic
If your child is showing signs of myopia, taking action now can protect their vision for years to come. At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we’ve helped countless Lynnwood and Bothell families manage myopia with thoughtful care, child-friendly exams, and long-term planning.
We know that navigating vision concerns can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s protect your child’s future vision together.
Schedule a pediatric eye exam today to learn more about our myopia management options.
