Exploring Myopia: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

If you’ve noticed your child squinting at the board in class or holding books closer to their face, you’re not alone. Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children—especially in urban areas like Los Angeles, where screen time and limited outdoor activities can contribute to its progression.

At Gold Optometry, we understand the concern parents have when their child’s vision starts to decline. Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses—it’s a condition that can continue to worsen over time, increasing the risk of serious eye diseases in adulthood. Fortunately, there are proactive ways to manage it and help protect your child’s long-term vision.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision while close-up vision remains clear.

Several factors can contribute to myopia development, including:

•          Genetics – If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia.

•          Screen Time & Near Work – Prolonged use of screens, reading, or doing close-up tasks without breaks can strain the eyes.

•          Lack of Outdoor Time – Studies show that children who spend less time outdoors have a higher chance of developing myopia. Natural light exposure plays a role in regulating healthy eye growth.

Why Is Myopia a Concern?

While glasses and contact lenses can compensate blurry vision, they don’t slow down the progression of myopia. This means that as a child’s prescription gets stronger over time, their risk of developing more serious eye conditions also increases. One major concern is retinal detachment, a severe condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. This can lead to sudden vision loss and requires immediate medical attention. Those with high myopia are at a significantly greater risk of experiencing this issue.

Another risk is glaucoma, a condition that occurs when increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. People with high myopia are more likely to develop glaucoma, which can cause irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. Additionally, myopic maculopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the central retina. This condition can lead to permanent vision impairment, making everyday activities like reading and recognizing faces more difficult.

The earlier myopia develops, the faster it tends to progress. That’s why early intervention is key—managing myopia proactively can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of these serious eye diseases later in life.

What is Myopia Management and Why is It Important?

At Gold Optometry, we provide specialized myopia management treatments tailored to each child’s needs.

•          Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – These overnight contact lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, allowing them to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow down the progression of myopia.

•          Atropine Eye Drops – Low-dose atropine drops help relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, slowing myopia progression while still allowing for clear vision correction.

•          Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses – These specialized lenses not only correct vision but also help control myopia progression by reducing eye strain and guiding proper eye development.

Each child’s eyes are unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to treatment. Whether your family is in Los Angeles, Garden Grove, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you through the best options for your child’s vision.

A Brighter Future Starts with Early Intervention

As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage in life—including the best possible vision. Myopia doesn’t have to dictate their future eye health. With early intervention and tailored myopia management, we can slow its progression and reduce long-term risks.

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Gold Optometry and take the first step toward managing myopia effectively. Visit our office in Los Angeles or Garden Grove. Please call (213) 384-1001 or (714) 530-1001 to book an appointment today.