What Is Myopia? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a widespread vision condition that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It’s one of the most common refractive errors, and its prevalence is rising, especially in children and adolescents.
 

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred vision when looking at distant objects.
 

Several factors can contribute to the development of myopia. Genetics plays a significant role, children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
 

Environmental factors also have an impact. Prolonged near work, such as reading, using digital devices, or doing tasks that require sustained focus on close objects, can increase the likelihood of developing myopia. Additionally, limited time spent outdoors has been linked to faster progression of myopia in children. Studies suggest that increasing outdoor activity may help slow this progression.
 

Common Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia can affect both children and adults. Some of the most common symptoms include:
 

• Blurry distance vision

• Frequent squinting

• Eye strain or headaches

• Sitting too close to the television or holding devices very near the face

• Complaints of tired eyes, especially after reading or screen use

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or your child, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with a qualified optometrist.
 

Treating Myopia with MiSight®

At Family Vision Associates, we offer MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, the first and only soft contact lenses FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.
 

These daily disposable lenses correct vision while simultaneously working to reshape how light focuses on the retina, a method proven to reduce the rate of myopia progression. In clinical studies, MiSight® lenses slowed the progression of myopia by up to 59% over three years compared to conventional single-vision lenses.
 

Benefits of MiSight® 1 day lenses include:
 

• Daily convenience - no cleaning or storage required

• Safe and comfortable for children

• A proactive approach to long-term eye health

Why Early Intervention Matters

Progressive myopia in children can lead to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in long-term eye health outcomes.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia is a condition that can impact your child’s quality of life and long-term eye health. With innovative options like MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, it’s possible to correct vision and slow myopia progression at the same time.
 

If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness or has already been diagnosed with myopia, schedule an eye exam at Family Vision Associates. Visit our office in Parsippany, New Jersey, or call (973) 386-0111 to book an appointment today.