Can You Prevent Your Child’s Vision from Getting Worse?

As parents, it’s natural to worry about your child’s vision. With more children spending time on digital devices and less time outdoors, nearsightedness (myopia) and other vision issues are becoming more common. While it may not be possible to stop every change in eyesight, there are steps you can take to help protect your child’s vision and slow its progression.
 

The Importance of Annual Pediatric Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are one of the most effective ways to stay on top of your child’s vision health. Many vision changes happen gradually, and kids don’t always realize their eyesight is blurry. An annual pediatric eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect early signs of problems like myopia, lazy eye, or astigmatism before they significantly affect learning and daily activities.
 

Healthy Habits for Better Vision

Simple lifestyle adjustments can support healthy eyes and may reduce the risk of worsening vision:

• Encourage outdoor time: Studies show that children who spend more time outside have a lower risk of developing nearsightedness.
• Limit screen use: Too much time on phones, tablets, and computers can cause eye strain and contribute to vision issues.
• Promote good posture and breaks: Remind kids to keep devices at a safe distance and follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Balanced nutrition: A diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall eye health.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

If your child is nearsighted, there are advanced treatments available to slow the progression of myopia:

• Specialty contact lenses such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) reshape the cornea overnight for clear daytime vision.
• Multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct vision while reducing eye strain that can worsen myopia.
• Atropine eye drops (low-dose) have been shown to help control nearsightedness progression in children.

Discussing these options with your child’s eye doctor can help determine the best approach for their specific needs.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision Today

While vision changes are common in growing children, proactive care can make a big difference. Annual eye exams, healthy habits, and innovative myopia control treatments can help prevent your child’s vision from getting worse and protect their long-term eye health.
 

At Artisan Eye, we specialize in pediatric eye care and myopia management tailored to your child’s needs. Schedule your child’s annual eye exam and give them the clear, healthy vision they deserve. Visit our office in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, or call (941) 2442-2020 today.