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What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

what is myopia control importance

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is increasingly frequent in children today. The majority of people think of myopia simply as wearing glasses for the best visual clarity. If myopia progresses too far, it can be a very serious factor in permanent vision issues later in life. Myopia control refers to a variety of methods to slow down the progression of myopia and help protect your child’s eyes for the long term. Let’s get into it a little more so you can understand what it means, why it is concerning, and how it can help your child.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition where nearby objects appear clear, while distant objects are blurry. This happens when the eyeball is growing too long or the cornea is too curved, causing the light that enters the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Myopia usually develops in childhood and is usually progressive if not effectively managed. There are myopia control techniques that can assist in slowing the progression of myopia.

What Are the Symptoms of Myopia in Children?

Many kids do not notice they have blurry vision, so they often think that is how everyone can see. Some common indicators that may signal symptoms of myopia in children are:

  • Squinting or frowning to see distant objects clearly
  • Holding books too near to their face or sitting too close to the television
  • Reporting headaches and/or tired eyes
  • Asking to sit closer to the whiteboard/chalkboard at school
  • Blinking a lot or excessively rubbing their eyes

It might be time to see an optometrist for an eye exam if you or your kid are exhibiting some of these symptoms.

What are the Causes of Progressing Myopia?

Researchers think myopia is partly genetic and partly environmental. The causes of myopia progression may include:

  • Too much screen time (an appropriate amount of close-up visual work) and not enough breaks
  • Limited outdoor exposure, especially during daylight
  • Family history of myopia (the more family members that have myopia, the more likely it is for it to develop in children)
  • Rapid growth in childhood, with the greatest risk in the year and years around the time of starting school.

These factors can increase the speed of myopia progression in children, which is why it is important to take early action.

Why Visit an Optometrist in SW Calgary?

If you live in or around Calgary, finding a reliable optometrist in SW Calgary can make a big difference in your child’s eye health journey. Frequent eye exams are essential for identifying vision abnormalities early. Your local optometrist can also offer personalized advice and treatment options suited to your child’s lifestyle and needs.

Which Myopia Control Options Are Available in Calgary?

There are several effective options available for Myopia Control in Calgary, including:

Treatment Option

How It Helps

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose drops are used daily to slow eye growth

Orthokeratology Lenses

Special overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Help focus light properly and slow eye elongation

Lifestyle Changes

More outdoor play and reduced screen time

Each method is designed to slow down myopia progression, not reverse it. Better outcomes are frequently achieved by beginning treatment early.

What Are the High Myopia Risks?

When myopia becomes severe, it’s called high myopia. This condition can increase the chances of more serious eye problems later in life, such as

  • Retinal detachment
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Myopic macular degeneration

High myopia grows the longer the condition goes unmanaged. That’s why it’s so important to address childhood nearsightedness early on.

How Does Childhood Nearsightedness Impact Life?

Dealing with childhood nearsightedness isn’t just about needing glasses—it can affect a child’s confidence, school performance, and ability to participate in sports and other activities. Kids who struggle to see clearly may feel left out or frustrated. Myopia control can help them feel more comfortable, confident, and capable in their daily life.

Where Can You Find an Optometrist Nearby?

If you’re looking for an optometrist near you who understands how to manage and slow down myopia in children, it’s best to choose someone experienced in working with kids and offering modern myopia control options. Regular examinations and early visits are crucial for safeguarding your child’s future vision.

Clearer Vision Starts at Eyedeology Optometry

At Eyedeology Optometry, we believe that clear vision starts with early care. If your child is showing signs of myopia or you’re concerned about their eyesight getting worse, now is the time to act. Our friendly team offers personalized care and trusted guidance for parents who want to protect their children’s vision.

We offer a range of modern options for myopia control and will help you choose the approach that works best for your family. Conveniently located and committed to supportive care, we’re here to help your child see a brighter future—literally. Book your child’s eye exam today at Eyedeology Optometry and take the first step toward lifelong healthy vision.

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Welcome to Eyedeology

Where Dr. Margaret Penny’s legacy lives on!
Under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Penny, both Dr. Jessica Yang and Dr. Farrah Sunderji continue to uphold the exceptional care standards you’ve come to expect. Whether you’re a new or existing Mayfair patient, we warmly invite you to schedule your appointments with us, without any changes to your existing information.

Call us at 587-353-5061 to schedule an appointment today

We’ve Moved!

Our clinic has relocated from Centennial Place in Downtown Calgary to Rockyview Health Centre at the following address:

1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6

We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional eye care to our valued patients and warmly welcoming new patients from the Calgary community. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!

Sincerely,
The Team at Eyedeology

587-317-2134