Myopia, also called nearsightedness, means distant objects look blurry while close objects are usually clear. Many children in Edmonton develop myopia during the school years, and their prescription often gets stronger as they grow. Myopia control is care aimed at slowing down how quickly that prescription worsens over time.
What Is Myopia?
In a myopic eye, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This often happens when the eye grows a little longer than typical. Genetics play a role — children with nearsighted parents are more likely to develop it — but a lot of close work and less time outdoors are also linked to myopia starting and progressing.
Regular glasses or contact lenses correct blurry distance vision so your child can see the board at school clearly. Correction helps your child see well today, but it does not by itself slow the eye growth that drives a stronger prescription.
Signs Your Child May Be Getting More Nearsighted
Prescriptions can change gradually, so changes are easy to miss. Watch for squinting to see distant signs, sitting very close to the television, holding books or tablets close, headaches, rubbing the eyes, or difficulty with sports or school work that depends on distance vision.
Children do not always say their vision has changed because they may think what they see is normal. That is one reason regular eye exams matter, even when there are no obvious complaints.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to specific treatment approaches, beyond regular glasses, intended to slow the progression of myopia in children. Options can include specially designed glasses lenses, soft contact lenses worn during the day, lenses worn overnight, and low-dose atropine eye drops, depending on your child’s age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle.
No option stops or reverses myopia for every child, and results vary. During an exam, your optometrist can explain which options may be suitable, how they are used, how progress is measured, and what follow-up is needed. Starting a conversation early can be helpful because myopia often progresses more quickly in younger children. If your child’s prescription changes every year, ask about myopia control at the next visit.
Daily Habits That Support Eye Health
Habits do not replace treatment, but they support overall eye health. Encourage regular outdoor time during daylight, breaks from close work and screens, and good lighting for reading and homework. Looking up from close work regularly to focus on something farther away can give the eyes a short break.
Make sure glasses are worn as directed and the prescription is kept up to date. An old prescription that is too weak will not make the eyes stronger — it usually just makes distance tasks harder.
Eye Exams and Coverage in Edmonton
At Infinite Eyecare, we provide eye exams for children and families in Mill Woods and across Edmonton. Eye exams for children under 19 and seniors are covered by Alberta Health Care. We offer direct billing to most major insurers, which can help with other services and eyewear where your plan applies.
Our clinic is located at 4275 23 Ave NW, Mill Woods, Edmonton. If your child is squinting, their prescription keeps changing, or it has been more than a year since their last exam, it is a good time to book a visit and ask about myopia control.
Call Infinite Eyecare at 780-425-0003 to book your child’s eye exam and discuss myopia control in Mill Woods.
