Key Takeaways
- Myopia makes faraway objects look blurry and often develops during childhood.
- Myopia control lenses correct blurry distance vision while helping to slow the progression of myopia.
- Research has shown that certain myopia control lenses can significantly slow myopia progression, although results can vary from child to child.
- Spending time outdoors and taking regular breaks from screens and other close-up activities can support healthy vision habits.
- A children’s eye exam can help your optometrist determine which myopia control option may be right for your child.
Your child squints to see the board at school, or you notice them sitting closer and closer to the TV. You get them new glasses, only to find that their prescription has changed again by their next eye exam. If this sounds familiar, your child may be experiencing myopia progression.
At West Coast Optical, our team offers myopia control options designed with growing eyes in mind.
Myopia control lenses are specially designed for children with nearsightedness. They provide clear distance vision while also helping to slow the progression of myopia as your child grows. A children’s eye exam in Surrey is a great place to start. Our optometrist can check your child’s vision and eye health and recommend an option based on their age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Myopia and Why It Matters for Your Child
What Myopia Means
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that causes faraway objects to look blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Your child may be able to read a book comfortably but have trouble seeing the board at school or recognizing someone across the playground.
Myopia often develops during childhood and can continue to progress as the eyes grow. That can mean your child’s prescription changes over time, sometimes requiring frequent updates to their glasses.
Signs to Watch for in Kids
Children don’t always realize when their vision has changed because they may assume everyone sees the way they do. Instead, you might notice certain signs at home or hear about them from a teacher.
Signs can include:
- Frequent squinting or eye rubbing
- Headaches after reading or screen time
- Holding books or screens close to the face
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Sitting closer to the TV
If you notice changes in how your child sees or uses their eyes, a children’s eye exam can help determine what’s going on.
Why It Helps to Slow Myopia
Managing myopia is about more than keeping your child’s prescription from changing so often. Higher levels of myopia are also associated with an increased risk of certain eye health issues later in life.
Myopia control focuses on slowing that progression while helping your child see clearly for everyday activities like learning, playing sports, and spending time with friends.
How Myopia Control Lenses Differ from Regular Glasses
Regular Lenses vs. Myopia Control Lenses
Regular single-vision lenses correct blurry vision so your child can see more clearly. Myopia control lenses also correct blurry distance vision, but they are specially designed to help slow the progression of myopia.
What Sets These Lenses Apart
Myopia control spectacle lenses use specialized lens designs to provide clear central vision while creating a treatment effect in the surrounding areas of the lens. This helps influence how light reaches the eye and can help slow the eye growth associated with myopia progression.
The lenses fit into regular frames and look like any other pair of glasses, making them a convenient option for children who are already comfortable wearing frames.
Myopia Control Lenses We Offer
At West Coast Optical, we offer clinically supported myopia control options based on your child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Essilor Stellest lenses use H.A.L.T. technology, with specialized lenslets surrounding a clear central zone to help slow myopia progression.
Hoya MiYOSMART lenses use D.I.M.S. technology to provide clear vision while creating myopic defocus around the central vision zone.
We also offer MiSight 1 Day contact lenses for children who would rather wear contacts than glasses.
Our optometrist can help determine which approach may be best suited to your child.
How Well Do Myopia Control Lenses Work?
Research has shown that myopia control lenses can meaningfully slow the progression of myopia in many children. However, every child’s eyes are different, and results can vary based on factors such as age, prescription, and how consistently the lenses are worn.
Consistent wear is important. Following the recommended wearing schedule gives the lenses the opportunity to provide their intended myopia control effect.
Daily Habits That Support Your Child’s Eyes
Healthy vision habits can also play a role in supporting your child’s eyes. Encourage your child to:
- Spend plenty of time outdoors.
- Take regular breaks from screens and other close-up activities.
- Keep books and devices at a comfortable viewing distance.
- Attend regular eye exams so changes in their vision can be monitored.
Bike rides, trips to the park, outdoor sports, and walking to school are all simple ways to add more outdoor time to your child’s routine.
What Age Is Right for Myopia Control Lenses?
Myopia commonly develops during childhood, and early detection gives your optometrist an opportunity to monitor changes and discuss management options while your child’s eyes are still growing.
Myopia can also continue to change during the teenage years and into early adulthood. Your optometrist can review your child’s age, prescription, eye health, and previous vision changes to determine whether myopia control may be appropriate.
Myopia Control Lens Cost and Children’s Eye Exams in Surrey
What Affects the Cost?
The cost of myopia control lenses can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type of myopia control lens recommended
- Your child’s prescription
- The frames your child chooses
- Your extended health coverage
Our team can walk you through the available options and help you find lenses and frames that suit your child’s vision needs, lifestyle, and personal style.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit
Your child’s visit starts with a comprehensive children’s eye exam to assess their vision and overall eye health. Our optometrist will take the time to understand your child’s needs and discuss the myopia control options that may be appropriate for them.
Depending on your child, those options may include myopia control spectacle lenses or MiSight 1 Day contact lenses. If contact lenses are suitable, our team also provides contact lens fittings in Surrey.
Because myopia can continue to change as your child grows, regular eye exams allow our team to monitor their vision and adjust their care when needed.
Book a Children’s Eye Exam at West Coast Optical
Myopia control lenses can help your child see clearly today while helping to slow the progression of their nearsightedness over time.
At West Coast Optical, we’ve been caring for families across Surrey, Langley, and the Fraser Valley for decades. Our team takes the time to understand your child’s vision, explain their options in clear, simple terms, and provide personalized care every step of the way.
Book your child’s eye exam today to learn more about myopia control and find an option that fits your child’s needs.
