Research has shown that myopia can be inherited, with children of myopic parents having a higher risk of becoming nearsighted. Children with one myopic parent are 1.5 times more likely to develop myopia, and the risk is tripled if both parents have it.
At The Center for Vision Development in Austin we’re here to help support your child’s eye health. Call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry. This results from the eyeball being oval-shaped or the cornea being excessively curved. This causes the light entering the eye to focus images in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The prevalence of myopia is increasing, with over 50% of the world’s population expected to be myopic by 2050. This is concerning because myopia increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration later in life.
How can Myopia be Managed?
Myopia management is a systematic approach to preventing the progression of myopia. It includes lifestyle changes and treatments that can help slow and sometimes even halt myopia progression.
While all children need regular eye exams, children of myopic parents should be monitored especially closely for signs of myopia. In addition, parents can take steps to reduce their child's risk of developing myopia by limiting digital screen time, modeling healthy screen use, and encouraging their child to play outdoors several hours per week.
If you have any questions about your child’s eye health, at The Center for Vision Development in Austin we’re here to support you! Our goal is to ensure that your child's vision remains stable and healthy for years to come. Call today to schedule an appointment!
Our practice serves patients from Austin, Waco, Round Rock, and Buda/Kyle, Texas and surrounding communities.