What Causes Myopia? Unpacking the Factors Behind Nearsightedness

If your child is struggling to see the whiteboard at school but has no trouble reading up close, you’re not alone. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common among kids, and many parents in Houston are noticing it earlier than ever. But what exactly causes myopia, and why is managing it so important?
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia happens when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result? Distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear.
 

But myopia isn’t just about needing glasses. Left unmanaged, it can continue to progress, increasing the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

Why Is Myopia on the Rise?

Houston parents often ask, “Why does my child have myopia?” The truth is, there’s no single cause, but rather a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

• Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, their child is more likely to develop myopia. However, genetics alone don’t tell the whole story.

• Increased Screen Time: With kids spending more time on tablets, phones, and computers, their eyes are constantly focusing on close-up objects, which may contribute to myopia progression.

• Limited Outdoor Time: Studies show that children who spend more time outside in natural light have a lower risk of developing myopia. Yet, with Houston’s heat, it’s easy to see why many kids prefer indoor activities.

• Early Onset: The earlier myopia starts, the more likely it is to worsen over time, making early intervention critical.
   

Why Myopia Management Matters

Many parents assume that updating their child’s prescription every year is enough. But managing myopia is about more than just stronger glasses—it’s about slowing down its progression and protecting long-term eye health.
 

At Optical Edge Houston, we offer customized myopia management plans tailored to your child’s needs. Our approach may include:

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of severe nearsightedness in the future.

• Multifocal Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: These specially designed lenses help the eyes focus more effectively and can slow myopia progression while providing clear vision for everyday activities.
   

By combining these treatments with healthy visual habits—such as spending more time outdoors and reducing excessive screen time—we can help protect your child’s long-term eye health.
 

Take Action Early for a Clearer Future

If you’ve noticed your child squinting to see distant objects, holding books too close, or complaining about blurry vision, now is the time to act. At Optical Edge Houston, we’re here to help parents find the best solutions for their children’s vision. 
 

Schedule your child’s eye exam with Optical Edge Houston to learn more about our personalized myopia management solutions, and take the first step toward healthier eyes and a brighter future. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (346) 362-5800 to book an appointment today.