What Are the Early Signs of Myopia in Kids - and How Can It Be Managed?

Clear vision plays an important role in a child’s success at school, sports, and everyday life. One vision condition we’re seeing more often in local children is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Because myopia can develop at a young age and progress quickly during childhood, knowing the early signs and when to schedule an eye exam can help protect your child’s vision for years to come.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

In children, myopia often begins during the early school years and can progress rapidly during periods of growth. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of future eye health complications, making early intervention especially important.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Kids

Children may not always realize - or communicate - that their vision is blurry. That’s why parents should watch for subtle behavioral and visual signs, including:

• Squinting to see the board, TV, or distant objects

• Sitting very close to screens or holding books close to the face

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Complaints of blurry distance vision

• Difficulty seeing road signs or recognizing people from afar

• Rubbing eyes excessively

• Avoiding activities that require distance vision, such as sports

Because these signs can be easily missed or mistaken for attention issues, regular pediatric eye exams are critical - even if no symptoms are obvious.

How Myopia Can Be Managed

While myopia cannot be reversed, it can be effectively managed to slow its progression. Myopia management focuses on controlling how quickly a child’s prescription changes rather than simply correcting vision with glasses alone.

Depending on your child’s age, lifestyle, and prescription, treatment options may include:

• Specialty soft contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression

• Orthokeratology (overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea)

• Prescription eye drops used to help reduce progression

• Customized eyewear solutions when appropriate

Your eye doctor will recommend a personalized plan based on your child’s needs.

The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring

Myopia management is not a one-time treatment - it requires consistent follow-up care. Regular monitoring allows your child’s eye doctor to track eye growth, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure the management plan is working effectively.

Ongoing care helps:

• Reduce the risk of high myopia

• Support better long-term eye health

• Keep your child comfortable and confident in their vision

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia is a progressive condition that benefits greatly from early detection and proactive management. Recognizing the early signs, scheduling routine pediatric eye exams, and starting myopia management when appropriate can help protect your child’s vision now and in the future.

If you’ve noticed signs of nearsightedness in your child, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Eyes of East Sacramento to learn more about personalized myopia management options. Contact our office in Sacramento, California, by calling (916) 915-0500 today.