What You Should Know About the Growing Prevalence of Myopia in Children

If your child is having trouble seeing the board at school or needing stronger glasses every year, you’re not alone. More children than ever are being diagnosed with myopia, and the trend is only growing. Here in Laredo and the surrounding communities, parents are noticing the impact of increased screen time and less outdoor play on their children’s vision. Myopia isn’t just about blurry distance vision—it’s a progressive condition that can lead to serious eye health risks if left unmanaged. The good news is that early intervention can slow myopia progression and help protect your child’s eyesight for years to come.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to difficulty seeing things like the board at school, road signs, or the TV across the room.

Why Is Myopia Becoming More Common?

In the past few decades, myopia has become increasingly common in children. More time spent on digital devices and less time playing outside may be major contributors. Studies show that spending more time indoors—whether reading, doing homework, or using screens—can lead to early onset and faster progression of myopia. For families in Laredo, this trend is concerning because myopia doesn't just mean thicker glasses; it increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Why Myopia Management Matters

The earlier myopia is addressed, the better the chances of slowing its progression. Traditional single-vision glasses and contact lenses only compensate for blurry vision—they don’t prevent myopia from worsening. However, myopia management treatments can help slow down how quickly a child’s prescription changes, reducing future risks to their eye health.

Effective Myopia Management Options

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, there are several treatment options that can help:

• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops – These prescription eye drops, used before bedtime, can slow myopia progression in children by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses – Specially designed contact lenses can help slow the progression of myopia while also providing clear vision.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – These custom-fit, overnight contact lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.

At Texas State Optical, we understand the importance of finding the right solution for your child. Our team is here to provide personalized myopia management options tailored to their unique vision needs.

Supporting Families in Families in Laredo

As myopia becomes more common, taking action early can make a real difference in your child’s long-term eye health. If you’ve noticed your child squinting, struggling to see the board at school, or needing frequent prescription updates, now is the time to explore myopia management.

Schedule your child’s eye exam with Texas State Optical to learn more about myopia management solutions. Visit our office in Laredo, Texas, or call (956) 724-3242 to book an appointment today.