Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children, and it is more than just a need for glasses. As the eyes grow and develop, myopia can progress quickly, impacting not only a child’s ability to see clearly but also their academic performance and overall quality of life. At Eyes of San Antonio, we offer comprehensive myopia management services designed to slow its progression and reduce the risk of long term eye health issues. Whether you’re a local family in San Antonio or from a nearby community, our team is here to help you take a proactive approach to your child’s vision.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. This happens 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. Myopia usually begins in childhood and can progress quickly if not managed properly.
Clear vision is essential for learning. In fact, more than 80 percent of what children learn in school is visual. Children with uncorrected myopia may have trouble seeing the board, reading from a distance, or fully engaging in classroom activities. This can lead to academic struggles, decreased confidence, and frustration. Detecting and managing myopia early can help children succeed both academically and socially.
Routine eye exams are critical for detecting vision problems early, even before symptoms appear. At Eyes of San Antonio, we recommend comprehensive pediatric eye exams starting at age 6 to 12 months, again at age 3, and before first grade. After that, children should receive annual eye exams to monitor their vision as they grow. Early detection of myopia allows us to track changes and begin management strategies that can help slow its progression.
Myopia management refers to the use of specialized treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Left unchecked, high myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and early cataracts. By controlling myopia in childhood, we can help protect long-term eye health and vision.
At Eyes of San Antonio, we offer a range of proven myopia control strategies tailored to your child’s needs:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day and slowing myopia progression.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are used daily to help reduce the eye’s growth rate and slow the development of myopia.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses help correct vision while also slowing myopia progression by altering how light focuses on the retina.
We may also recommend lifestyle changes that support healthy vision. Spending more time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia and can help slow its progression. In addition, limiting screen time and encouraging regular breaks during near work can minimize visual stress and further support overall eye health. These simple habits, combined with clinical treatments, can play an important role in preserving your child’s vision.
At Eyes of San Antonio, we’re committed to guiding families through every step of myopia management. Our experienced team provides personalized care, clear communication, and ongoing support to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment. Whether you're local to San Antonio or coming from surrounding communities, we're here to help your family build a foundation for lifelong healthy vision.
Take the first step in managing your child’s myopia. Contact Eyes of San Antonio to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about personalized myopia management solutions