What Is Myopia? Understanding Nearsightedness & Its Causes

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This condition is increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents, and if left unmanaged, it can progress over time - raising the risk of more serious eye health issues later in life. At Texas State Optical, we’re dedicated to helping families understand myopia and explore safe, effective options to manage it.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved. This structural change causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, objects at a distance appear out of focus.

Common symptoms of myopia include:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Complaints of blurry vision when looking at the board in school

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Sitting too close to screens or holding books very close

While genetics play a significant role in myopia development, environmental factors such as prolonged near work (like screen time and reading) and limited outdoor activity are also contributing to the growing number of cases.

Why Myopia Management Matters

Myopia is not just a matter of wearing glasses or contact lenses to see better. As myopia progresses, especially in children, the risk of developing vision-threatening conditions increases. These include retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. That’s why early detection and proactive myopia management are essential. Managing myopia doesn't just improve vision - it helps protect long-term eye health.

Effective Myopia Management Options

At Texas State Optical, we offer evidence-based treatments to help slow the progression of myopia in children and teens. Low-dose atropine drops are administered nightly and have been clinically shown to slow the progression of myopia. These drops do not significantly affect near vision or pupil size at low concentrations and are generally well tolerated.

MiSight® 1 day is the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lens designed specifically for myopia control in children. These daily disposable lenses not only correct vision but also slow myopia progression by using a unique optical design that helps reduce eye growth over time. Our eye care team will assess your child’s vision and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, providing ongoing support and monitoring as they grow.

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Today

Myopia is a progressive condition that requires attention and care. With the right management strategies, it’s possible to slow its progression and preserve your child’s vision for the future.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Texas State Optical to learn more about myopia and how we can help manage it for your child’s long-term eye health. Visit our office in Lumberton, Texas, or call (409) 751-3937 to book an appointment today.