It often starts subtly — a child moves closer to the television, struggles to read distant signs, or complains about headaches after school. At Eye Mechanix in La Grange and Chicago, we often see cases where myopia, or nearsightedness, has gone unnoticed until it starts affecting daily life.
The good news? Early detection through a comprehensive children’s eye exam can make all the difference.
Myopia is now one of the most common childhood vision problems—and it's growing rapidly worldwide. If left unmanaged, it can lead to a higher risk of serious eye conditions later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
How to Spot the Early Signs of Myopia
Recognizing the early signs of myopia can help prevent vision problems from interfering with your child’s learning, sports, and daily activities. If you notice any of these behaviors or symptoms, it may be time to schedule an eye exam.
1. Squinting to See Faraway Objects
Squinting helps sharpen focus temporarily. If your child often squints when looking at the board at school, the TV, or distant signs, it could be an early sign of nearsightedness.
2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Books
Children with myopia tend to sit closer to screens or hold books nearer to their face. They instinctively move closer because nearby objects appear clearer.
Analogy:
It's like trying to read a street sign through a foggy windshield — moving closer helps, but it doesn't solve the root problem.
3. Complaining of Headaches or Eye Strain
Headaches — especially after reading or using screens — are a common symptom of uncorrected vision problems. Eye strain from constant focusing effort can cause fatigue and discomfort, particularly after school or homework sessions.
4. Trouble Paying Attention in School
When vision is blurry, staying engaged in class becomes difficult. Children may seem distracted, inattentive, or uninterested in lessons when in reality, they're struggling to see clearly. Declining academic performance could easily be linked to undiagnosed vision issues.
5. Adjusting Viewing Angles or Distances
Tilting the head, closing one eye, or shifting devices to odd angles often signals trouble seeing clearly. These unconscious adjustments can be an early warning sign that an eye exam is needed.
Treatment Options for Childhood Myopia at Eye Mechanix
At our practice we offer several evidence-based treatments to slow the progression of myopia:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, they enjoy clear, glasses-free vision all day. Ortho-K is ideal for active kids or those who prefer not to wear glasses during the day.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are applied before bedtime to help slow myopia progression. They are easy to use, safe for long-term management, and have been shown to significantly reduce the worsening of nearsightedness in children.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal lenses have multiple zones that help focus light correctly on the retina, providing clear vision while slowing the progression of myopia. They are comfortable, effective, and great for everyday use.
How We Choose the Right Treatment
Every child’s vision needs are unique. At Eye Mechanix, we begin with a comprehensive eye exam and a detailed discussion about your child's lifestyle, activities, and visual demands.
From there, we customize a personalized myopia management plan to protect their growing eyes. Our goal is simple: healthier vision for a lifetime.
Protect Your Child’s Vision at Eye Mechanix in La Grange and Chicago
The earlier myopia is detected and treated, the better the outcomes. At Eye Mechanix, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye care and offer expert management through ortho-k, multifocal lenses, and atropine therapy.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs—or even if your child hasn’t mentioned any problems—schedule a pediatric eye exam. Early action can make a lifetime of difference.