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Understanding and Managing Myopia in Children

Why Myopia Control Matters

Why Myopia Control Matters

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that plagues millions of children worldwide. When a child is nearsighted, distant objects appear blurry, while those up close remain crystal clear. It's a condition that impacts their vision and can affect various aspects of their daily lives.

The good news is that myopia can be managed. Myopia management is a proactive approach aimed at slowing down or even halting the progression of myopia in children. By intervening and seeking expert solutions, you can help ensure your child's visual health remains strong as they develop.

Exploring myopia management options is not just a choice; it's a commitment to safeguarding your child's visual health and well-being.

young girl sitting at a desk with a laptop holding glasses and looking tired
A young boy with glasses covering his eyes with his hand

Understanding Myopia and How it Affects Children

Myopia often begins during childhood and, if left unmanaged, can progress and lead to more severe nearsightedness. This progression increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment later in life.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Myopia

Children experiencing myopia may exhibit symptoms such as:

  • squinting
  • headaches
  • eye strain
  • difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school
  • needing to sit close to the TV

If you've noticed these signs in your child, it's essential to schedule an eye exam to assess their eye health and determine their level of myopia.

Why Early Intervention is Necessary

Effective myopia management requires early intervention. Catching myopia early and slowing the condition's progression can significantly reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with developing severe eye conditions later on.

A young boy with brown hair is covering his eyes with his hands, possibly feeling sad or upset.

Exploring Myopia Management: Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding myopia's causes and risk factors in children is essential for effective management. Several key factors contribute to the development of myopia, impacting children's vision and overall eye health:

  • Myopia Runs in the Family

    A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of your child developing this condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive management.

  • The Impact of Too Much Screen Time

    Excessive hours spent reading or using digital screens significantly increase the likelihood of myopia development in children, highlighting the need to balance screen time with outdoor activities.

  • Inadequate Outdoor Exposure

    Children who don't spend enough time outdoors are at a greater risk of developing myopia. Outdoor activities and natural light play an essential role in maintaining good vision.

  • Childhood Onset and Rapid Progression

    Myopia often emerges during childhood and may progress more rapidly during growth spurts. Early intervention during these crucial years is essential for slowing its progression and preserving clear vision.

Patient Reviews

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Joe P. - May 8, 2026
I have been a patient of this office for a few years now. I wear both glasses and contacts. I feel c... onflicted however because I like smaller/more private eye clinics like this vs. major retailers. That being said, I struggle with the pricing. First, let me say that everyone at the office is extremely nice and friendly. The doctor(s) are extremely nice, helpful, and explain things well. Yesterday I went with the intention of altering the type of contacts I wear as I had been wearing Precision 1 (Dailies) for astigmatism,but they simply cost too much. So I wanted to go back to either 2 week disposable or (preferably) monthly disposable. I brought my 3 pairs of Oakley eyeglasses which are all in good shape, I asked to be fitted for monthly contacts as they are one of the cheapest and was told that 2 week disposables would be the best for my situation. I had no problem with the suggestion and we went with Acuvue Oasysis w/hydroglyde. The Dr. also checked my most current pair of Oakley glasses and made an adjustment to the lenses, which, while in the chair, definitely seemed to make a difference. Now comes the confusing part. I hate vision benefits as they don't seem to cover enough for what the price of quality eye products cost---but that certainly isn't the office'e fault. My benefits allow EITHER frames and contacts or lenses and frames per year. But, I wanted to see how much it would be to put the updated prescription of lenses into my most current Oakley frames and use my benefits towards the disposable contacts. My allowance is $130 for disposable contacts. Single vision lenses are paid in full and based on the additives selected (scratch-resistance, polycarbonate, etc, have copays). I was told I would get the best use of my insurance on the lenses and pay out of pocket for my contacts. I was prepared to hear a total between $400-$500 for everything since I was buying 6 months of contacts and was told my Oakleys needed a "thinner" type of lense. The contacts, and whatever I had to pay for the contact lense fitting and evaluation, plus that eye-scanning test that's around $44, was $383.47. Then I heard the total to put the new lenses in my glasses and it would have been somewhere around $240!! I was not prepared to pay roughly $624 so I asked that we simply hold off on the lenses, and use the benefits for my contacts. So I paid $383.47 for contacts with plans to come back in a few weeks to have my lenses put into my glasses. My girlfriend was with me and we were talking and the amount I paid just seemed high. Plus, I didn't receive any type of itemized statement for the services provided, their cost, and what the insurance was to pay. I decided to go to Visionworks in South Hills Village Mall on the way home. I walked into Visionworks, pulled up my current prescription, and told them I simply wanted to see what the cost would be to have the lenses put into the frames. The lady called EyeMed and was told I would be responsible for a $40 copay for polycarbonate, that's it!!! (I didn't think I could get lenses since I just got contacts) but I wasn't going to argue. So, rather than $240 (roughly) for 1 pair of lenses that I was quoted, Visionworks charged me $40 for new lenses put into the same frames. AND, since they were having a buy 1, get 1 50% off, she took my back-up Oakley glasses and I'm getting the new prescription lenses put into THOSE frames also. I walked out of VisionWorks paying $155 for 2 sets of new lenses with polycarbonate and scratch coating rather than paying $240 for 1 set of lenses!!! This makes me wonder if I was way overcharged for my contacts? Today, I asked to have an itemized statement sent to me from Your family Eye Doctors to see the cost per box and with the insurance paying for $130 worth. Again, I have no problem with Your Family Eye Doctors. They are professional, clean, thorough, and have a large selection. My only feeling is that it's a bit pricey as I would have paid about $624 and paid $538 between the two providers (and I'm receiving an extra pair of lenses).
Nonno 3. - Mar 28, 2026
I went to Family Eye Doctors to see if they could repair my badly mangled glasses. I was very pessi... mistic. Showed up without an appointment, but they fixed the glasses in minutes, even though I was never a patient at this practice before. No charge! And the staff is so friendly. I will be using Family Eye Doctors for all my vision needs from now on.

Myopia Management in Murrysville

Exterior view of our Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville optometry practice.
Photograph of Chris Cakanac
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
A young boy wearing glasses is sitting at a desk with his head in his hands, probably crying, while reading a book.

Myopia Management for Children of All Ages

If you've noticed signs of myopia in your child or are concerned about their eye health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville. Our team is committed to helping your child enjoy a future with clear, unaided vision.

We believe in providing myopia management for children of all ages. No matter your child's age, we can tailor a myopia management plan to their needs. Early intervention is the key to success.

Contact Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville today to determine if your child qualifies for myopia management. Take the first step towards better health.