More children than ever are becoming nearsighted, and it is happening earlier. What used to be seen as a simple need for glasses has become a growing public health concern. At James Tracey Eye Care, we work closely with families to slow myopia progression and protect long-term eye health through personalized myopia management programs.
What Is Myopia and Why Is It on the Rise?
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a condition where close-up objects appear clear but distant objects look blurry. It often begins in childhood and worsens as the eyes continue to grow. Today, myopia is developing earlier and progressing faster than in past generations.
There are several contributing factors. Genetics play a role, but screen-heavy lifestyles and reduced outdoor activity are major drivers. Kids are spending more time indoors focused on near objects like tablets and phones, which increases the risk of developing myopia.
What concerns eye doctors is not just the blurry vision. If myopia is left unmanaged, the elongation of the eye can increase the risk of serious conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life.
Myopia Management at James Tracey Eye Care
At James Tracey Eye Care, we do more than prescribe stronger glasses each year. We offer proactive myopia management in NJ that parents trust to slow progression and protect long-term eye health.
Our treatment options include:
- MiSight® 1 day contact lenses: FDA-approved soft lenses designed to both correct vision and slow the progression of myopia in children.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specialized overnight lenses that reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear daytime vision without the need for contacts or glasses.
- Axial length monitoring: We track eye growth over time to assess treatment effectiveness.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the child’s age, lifestyle, and degree of myopia. By intervening early, we can help slow down changes in their prescription and reduce the long-term risks.
Signs of Myopia that Parents Should Watch For
Children often do not realize their vision is blurry. That is why regular eye exams are essential. In between visits, parents should look for these signs:
- Squinting or struggling to see the board at school
- Sitting very close to screens or books
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- A drop in school performance
- Complaints about not seeing well at a distance
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, a kids eye exam in Woodcliff Lake or any of our other locations can identify the issue and help us start treatment early.
Healthy Habits for Long-Term Vision
Lifestyle changes support the success of myopia management and help reduce the rate of progression. We recommend:
- At least 90 minutes of outdoor play each day
- Setting screen-time limits, especially for handheld devices
- Using proper lighting while reading or using screens
- Taking regular breaks from close work using the 20-20-20 rule
Small changes make a big difference when it comes to protecting your child’s eyesight.
Schedule a Myopia Consultation
Managing myopia is not just about clearer vision now. It is about protecting your child’s long-term eye health. Our optometrists create custom plans using myopia control lenses New Jersey families can count on.
If you are looking for children’s nearsightedness treatment Wyckoff NJ or a pediatric optometrist NYC area parents trust, James Tracey Eye Care is ready to help. Book your child’s myopia consultation today.