For families in Texas, clear vision is essential for a child’s success—whether in the classroom, on the field, or exploring the outdoors. But if your child starts squinting at the board, moving closer to the TV, or complaining about blurry distance vision, they may be developing nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Understanding the causes of nearsightedness can help you make informed decisions about your child’s eye health and the steps you can take to slow its progression.

The Primary Cause of Nearsightedness

The main culprit behind nearsightedness is the shape of the eye. In a myopic eye, the eyeball is slightly longer than it should be, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear.

In most cases, myopia develops during childhood and tends to progress as kids grow. If you or your child’s other parent are nearsighted, there’s a good chance your child will be too—genetics play a big role in determining who develops myopia.

Other Contributing Factors

While genetics are a key factor, they’re not the only reason myopia develops. Lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence a child’s vision, including:

• Increased Screen Time – Long hours spent on tablets, computers, and smartphones can contribute to myopia progression, especially when paired with little outdoor activity.

• Lack of Outdoor Time – Research suggests that kids who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia, possibly due to the benefits of natural light exposure.

• Near Work Activities – Activities like reading, writing, and using digital devices for extended periods without breaks can put strain on the eyes and may contribute to worsening myopia.

Common Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Children often won’t realize they have trouble seeing clearly until it starts affecting their daily lives. Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close to their face

• Frequent headaches

• Complaints of blurry vision, especially at school

• Difficulty seeing the board in class

• Excessive eye rubbing or tired eyes

If you notice these symptoms in your child, scheduling an eye exam is the best way to determine whether they have myopia and if it’s progressing.

The Importance of Myopia Management

Many parents assume that glasses or contact lenses are the only solutions for nearsightedness. While these help correct vision, they don’t slow down the progression of myopia. At Alamo Eye Care, we offer specialized myopia control treatments designed to slow myopia progression and protect long-term eye health. These options include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Specialty contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day.

• Atropine Eye Drops – Low-dose atropine can help slow myopia progression in children.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses – These lenses help correct vision while also reducing the rate at which myopia worsens.

Managing myopia early is key to reducing the risk of future eye health complications, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Future

If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness, early intervention is the best way to manage their eye health and reduce the risk of worsening vision. We specialize in personalized myopia management solutions tailored to your child’s unique needs.

If your child is showing signs of myopia, schedule an eye exam with Alamo Eye Care today. Contact our office in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, by calling (210) 403-9050 to book an appointment.