August means more than just backpacks and binders. For parents in Murrysville and West Newton, it’s the perfect time to check in on your child’s vision before the classroom lights flip back on. At , we’ve seen how often myopia, or nearsightedness, goes unchecked — especially in growing kids. One of the most common questions we get this time of year: “How do I know if my child’s myopia is getting worse?”
The truth is, it often takes more than squinting at the whiteboard to know something’s wrong.
What Is Myopia, and Why Does It Matter Now?
If your child has been prescribed glasses in the past, it’s easy to assume that’s the end of the story. But myopia is more than just a vision problem—it’s a progressive condition that can quietly worsen year after year. Understanding what it is and how it develops is the first step in managing it effectively.
It’s More Than Just Glasses
Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects are clear. It’s caused by an elongation of the eyeball that changes how light focuses inside the eye. And while glasses or contacts can help correct vision, they don’t stop the condition from worsening.
In fact, unchecked myopia in children tends to progress each year. The higher the prescription climbs, the greater the risk of serious eye issues in adulthood — including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
How to Spot the Signs
Kids don’t always voice vision concerns, so it’s up to adults to keep an eye out for warning signs. Here are some red flags that might indicate your child’s myopia is progressing:
- Complaints about blurred vision at a distance
- Head tilting or squinting
- Sitting closer to the TV or holding devices near their face
- Trouble seeing the whiteboard in class
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty concentrating
A back-to-school eye exam isn’t just a formality—it’s a smart, preventative step to safeguard your child’s eye health.
Myopia Progresses Silently
Unlike a scraped knee or sore throat, myopia doesn’t usually come with pain or obvious discomfort. Most children assume everyone sees the world the same way they do — until they’re shown otherwise. That’s why regular pediatric eye exams are so important. They help us catch changes early and tailor the right treatment plan.
What We Offer at Ives Eyecare Center
We don’t just treat vision problems—we partner with families to manage them over time.
Evidence-Based Myopia Control
At , our myopia management program focuses on slowing the condition’s progression using proven treatments. These include MiSight® 1 day contact lenses — FDA-approved to reduce myopia advancement in children—as well as low-dose atropine drops and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses that reshape the eye overnight.
These tools don’t just correct vision; they protect against future risks like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
A Pediatric-Friendly Approach
Kids aren’t just small adults—and their eye exams shouldn’t feel like adult checkups. Our optometrists in Murrysville and West Newton take a calm, educational approach with child-friendly language, using specialized equipment that accommodates younger patients.
We listen to your concerns, explain everything clearly, and make sure your child feels comfortable every step of the way.
Care That Grows with Your Child
Because myopia tends to accelerate during childhood, we create a plan that adapts as your child grows. Follow-ups are personalized based on prescription changes, daily habits, and age-related risk factors.
Our team monitors vision closely, so if your child’s eyes change, their care plan changes too — seamlessly.
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Eye Exam Today
The earlier we begin, the better the outcome. A comprehensive exam now can protect your child’s sight for decades to come.
At , we offer pediatric-focused eye care in Murrysville and West Newton that helps your child start the school year strong—with clear, comfortable vision and long-term protection against high myopia.
Contact us to schedule an eye care appointment and learn how our team can help your child see the world with clarity and confidence.