How to Improve Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness — myopia — is on the rise, and it's rising fastest in children. More kids are becoming nearsighted, and at younger ages than ever before. Researchers estimate that by 2050, half the world's population could be myopic. That's a big shift, and it's one worth paying attention to, because myopia isn't just about needing glasses. The higher it climbs, the more it matters for lifelong eye health.

What is myopia?

With myopia, the eyeball grows a little too long, so light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. Distant objects look blurry while close-up vision stays clear. Glasses or contact lenses correct the blur — but they don't stop the eye from continuing to grow. That's where myopia management comes in: instead of just correcting the prescription year after year, we work to slow the progression itself.

Why is it increasing?

There's no single cause, but two big shifts line up with the rise: children spend far more time on near work — reading, homework, screens — and far less time outdoors. Time outside in daylight is protective against myopia, and today's kids simply get less of it. Genetics plays a role too: if one or both parents are nearsighted, a child's risk is higher.

Why it matters

A mild prescription is mostly an inconvenience. But the stronger myopia becomes, the higher the lifetime risk of serious eye problems — retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Slowing progression in childhood means a lower prescription for life, and lower risk down the road. That's the real goal.

Ways to manage it

At Mission Creek Optometry, we offer three proven myopia management options for children:

• Ortho-K (orthokeratology): specially designed lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, so they see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts — and the treatment slows myopia progression. Dr. Scott Percival is Kelowna Ortho-K specialist.
• MiYOSMART spectacle lenses: everyday glasses with a special lens design that slows myopia progression while correcting vision, just like regular glasses.
• MiSight daily contact lenses: soft one-day lenses made for children that correct vision and slow myopia progression at the same time.

Alongside treatment, two simple habits help: more time outdoors every day, and regular eye exams so we can track changes and adjust the plan. A child's prescription can change quickly, and the earlier we catch fast progression, the more we can do about it.

Signs to watch for

Squinting, sitting very close to the TV or tablet, holding books close to the face, headaches after schoolwork, or trouble seeing the board at school — any of these are worth an eye exam.

If your child is nearsighted, or their prescription seems to change every year, come in and talk to us. We'll check their eyes, measure the progression, and find the option that fits your child best. Call us at 250-717-0086 or book an eye exam. We're at 1820 Ambrosi Rd #101, Kelowna, open Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

— Mission Creek Optometry