Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness. It’s a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear.
Myopia occurs when the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of on it. This can happen either because the eye’s length is too long or the corneal curvature is too steep.
Nearly 30% of Canadians have myopia. Additionally, it’s been discovered that myopia is becoming more common and progressing faster than previously. Research has shown that myopia in children increases dramatically between grades 1 to 8, with its onset beginning around ages 6 to 7.
Myopia research is continuous and ongoing, and new revelations are made all the time. However, there are several different theories on what exactly causes myopia. These include genetics, too much time spent on close-up work, or too much time indoors.
Children aren’t always able to voice when they’re experiencing vision problems. Some signs your child might have vision problems include:
Over 30% of cases of myopia in children go undiagnosed and uncorrected. Uncorrected vision problems can lead to developmental delays and lifelong disadvantages.
You can help set your child up for success by taking them for regular comprehensive eye exams. Along with other vision problems or ocular health concerns, myopia is easily diagnosed during these routine exams. Children should have their eyes examined every year once they enter school.
Most often, myopia is managed with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. These prescription lenses correct the refraction of light as it enters the eye, focusing the light directly on the retina.
Because children’s eyes are continually growing and changing, there are ways to slow or delay the progression of myopia. The most effective method for your child depends on their ocular health and development.
Some myopia control options include:
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, we would love to discuss myopia control options with you and them. Please book an appointment for your child today.
You can find our St. George location just off Main Street, next to the Community Living Centre.
You can find our St. George location just off Main Street, next to the Community Living Centre.
Located between Grannan St and Princess St across from Trinity Royal Anglican Church.
Located between Grannan St and Princess St across from Trinity Royal Anglican Church.
I am very satisfied with the business and services of Dr. Brown and Associates. My glasses that I got were not quite right however the people at Dr. Brown’s did not hesitate to take them back and give me a new pair without any hesitation.
Dr. Brown is the most caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable optometrist there is! For many years I have trusted him, and Faye, for wonderful care at his St. George office. He has helped with many ups and downs on my vision journey (and there have been many). I would recommend Dr. Brown to anyone needing vision care.
I enjoy every aspect about being a patient here at the office of Dr. Brown and Associates. They are such a great group of people.
Everyone here is always helpful and pleasant. They take the time to discuss options and explain things. They have adjusted my glasses several times at no charge even though it was entirely my fault they got bent. When I broke my frames they were able to get me an inexpensive pair and cut down the lenses to fit. Definitely going to get a second pair here.
St. George
Saint John
