What Is Myopia? Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It’s a growing concern, especially among children, with rates rising rapidly around the world. At Diamond Bar Optometric, we believe it’s important to not only correct blurry vision but also address the root causes of myopia and its potential long-term impact on eye health.
 

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This is typically due to an eyeball that is too long or a cornea that is too curved. The result is that close objects appear clear, while distant objects appear blurry. Genetics play a major role in myopia development. If one or both parents are nearsighted, there’s a higher chance their child will develop the condition.
 

Common Symptoms of Myopia

People with myopia often experience:
 

• Blurry distance vision

• Squinting to see clearly

• Eye strain or headaches

• Difficulty seeing at night, particularly when driving

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

Children may hold books very close to their face, sit too close to the TV, or struggle to see the whiteboard at school.
 

Risk Factors

In addition to family history, other risk factors include:
 

• Excessive time spent on close-up activities (reading, screen use)

• Inadequate time outdoors, especially in early childhood

• Early onset of myopia, which can lead to higher prescriptions in adulthood

High myopia, in particular, can increase the risk of more serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

While standard glasses or contact lenses can compensate for blurry vision caused by myopia, they do not address the underlying issue. That’s why early intervention is key. Managing myopia as it develops, especially in children, can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision complications later in life.
 

At Diamond Bar Optometric, we offer several advanced treatment options tailored to slow the progression of myopia. These include atropine eye drops, which have been shown to reduce the rate of eye growth, as well as specialized soft contact lenses designed for myopia control. We also offer orthokeratology (Ortho-K), a non-surgical treatment that gently reshapes the cornea overnight to improve vision during the day.
 

These myopia management strategies are particularly effective for children and teens, helping to protect their long-term eye health and reduce their likelihood of developing high myopia and associated eye diseases as they grow older.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia can impact long-term eye health if left unmanaged. If you or your child is showing signs of nearsightedness, early detection and proactive care are essential. We’re here to guide you through personalized solutions that protect and preserve your vision for the future.
 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Diamond Bar Optometric to learn more about myopia management. Contact our office in Diamond Bar, California, by calling (909) 861-4999 to book an appointment today.