Nearsightedness Is on the Rise—And It’s Starting Younger than Ever Before
If your child has recently been diagnosed with nearsightedness, you’re not alone. Myopia (the medical term for nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common in children—and it’s happening earlier than ever.One of the leading factors? Screen time.
Today’s kids are growing up in a world filled with tablets, smartphones, laptops, and digital learning. While these tools support education and entertainment, they also increase the risk of myopia when not balanced with healthy habits.
At Dean Optical, we’re helping families understand this shift—and what can be done to slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health.
What Is Myopia and Why Does It Matter?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. While glasses and contacts can correct the vision, the concern is **progressive myopia**—when nearsightedness worsens year after year.Unchecked myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration
That’s why early detection and myopia management are critical—not just for clearer vision today, but for lifelong eye health.
How Screen Time Contributes to Myopia
While genetics play a role, lifestyle is now a major driver of childhood myopia. Prolonged screen use and near work (like reading or gaming on tablets) place constant strain on developing eyes. Contributing factors include:
- Holding screens too close to the face
- Spending hours on close-up tasks without breaks
- Limited time outdoors in natural daylight
- Reduced eye movement and focusing range
In short: kids’ eyes aren’t getting the distance viewing, daylight exposure, or variety they need to grow properly.
Signs Your Child Might Be Nearsighted
Even if they don’t complain, your child may show signs such as:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Holding books or screens close to the face
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Trouble seeing the board at school
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam—even if your child passed a school screening.
Modern Myopia Management Options
Today, we can do more than just correct nearsightedness—we can help **slow its progression**. At Dean Optical, we offer:MiSight® 1 Day contact lenses – The first soft contact lens FDA-approved to slow myopia progression in children.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.
- Low-dose atropine drops – A medicated eye drop that may help reduce eye growth in children.
- Specialty glasses – Designed to relieve strain and support healthy eye development.
Your child’s treatment plan depends on their age, prescription, lifestyle, and risk factors. We’ll work with you to find the best option.
What You Can Do at Home
In addition to professional care, small changes at home can support healthy vision:
- Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor time daily
- Enforce screen breaks every 20 minutes (use the 20-20-20 rule)
- Set screen time limits—especially in the evening
- Ensure good lighting and posture during close-up tasks
Take Action Early for Lifelong Eye Health
The earlier myopia is detected and managed, the better the outcomes. Don’t wait until your child’s prescription keeps changing—**proactive care now can protect their vision for years to come**.Schedule your child’s myopia consultation at Dean Optical today—and let’s build a brighter, clearer future together.