Early Signs of Myopia in Children and Why Early Detection Is Key

As children grow and develop, so do their eyes. But for many children, vision problems like myopia can develop early on, often without parents noticing. At Radiant Optometry, we’re committed to helping families in Bellflower, CA and nearby communities recognize the early signs of myopia and take proactive steps to protect their children’s long-term eye health.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. This happens when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia typically begins in childhood and tends to worsen as children grow, especially during school years when visual demands increase.

Why Pediatric Eye Exams Matter

Routine pediatric eye exams are one of the most effective tools for catching myopia early. Many vision issues, including myopia, can develop gradually, and children may not recognize that their sight is changing. Regular exams ensure that any signs of myopia are detected early—before they interfere with learning, development, or daily life.

Early Signs of Myopia in Children

Some of the most common early signs of myopia in children include:

• Squinting to see distant objects, like the whiteboard in class

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Blinking excessively or rubbing the eyes often

• Poor performance in school or disinterest in activities that require distance vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management refers to treatment strategies designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. This is more than just prescribing stronger glasses each year—it’s about protecting a child’s vision for the future.

Unchecked myopia can progress to high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Cataracts

With effective myopia management, we can slow down the progression of nearsightedness and help reduce these long-term risks.

How Ortho-K Can Help

One of the most effective myopia management options available is orthokeratology (Ortho-K). These are custom-fitted, specially designed contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, so they can see clearly the next day without glasses or contact lenses.

In addition to offering clear daytime vision, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children. It’s a non-surgical, safe, and proven option—ideal for active kids who may not want to wear glasses during sports or play.

Supporting Families in Bellflower and Nearby Communities

At Radiant Optometry, we understand the importance of early eye care in setting your child up for success. We’re proud to support families in Bellflower and surrounding areas with compassionate care and advanced myopia management solutions, including Ortho-K. Dr. Mai takes the time to evaluate each child’s unique needs and provide a personalized plan to protect their vision both now and in the future.

If you’ve noticed any signs of myopia in your child, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Radiant Optometry and discover how Ortho-K can help. Visit our office in Bellflower, California, or call (562) 867-4716 to book an appointment today.