Myopia Control for Kids: How Screen Time and Near Work Affect Your Child’s Eyes

If your child is squinting to see the board at school or sitting too close to the TV or tablet, they may be developing myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It’s one of the fastest-growing vision problems in children today.

At VIVID VISION CARE in Henderson, NV, we’re seeing more kids with myopia than ever before — and a big reason is increased digital device use and near vision activities.

Let’s break down what’s happening and how we can help protect your child’s eyes.

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What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia means your child can see things up close clearly, but objects far away — like the classroom board, TV, or street signs — look blurry.

It happens when the eye grows too long, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it, leading to blurry distance vision.

In simple terms: your child’s eyes are growing faster than they should — and without proper management, that growth can continue year after year.

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Why Myopia Is on the Rise

Two key lifestyle factors are driving the surge in childhood nearsightedness:

1. Too Much Screen Time and Near Work

Phones, tablets, and computers are now part of daily life — but the constant close-up focusing puts strain on the eyes. When children spend long hours looking at screens or reading up close, their eyes adapt to that near distance, which may encourage myopia to progress.

2. Not Enough Outdoor Time

Research shows that kids who spend at least 90 minutes outside daily are less likely to become nearsighted. Natural daylight and distance focusing help the eyes relax and develop in a healthier way.

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Why Myopia Control Matters

Many parents think glasses are enough — but regular glasses only correct vision, they don’t slow myopia progression.

If left unchecked, myopia tends to worsen each year. Higher prescriptions can increase lifelong risks of:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration

That’s why early myopia control is so important.

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Myopia Control Treatments at Vivid Vision Care

At VIVID VISION CARE, we don’t just correct vision — we create personalized plans to slow or stop the progression of myopia using proven methods.

Myopia Control Glasses & Contact Lenses

Specially designed lenses help control how light focuses on the retina, signaling the eye to slow its growth.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

Custom contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps — providing clear vision all day without glasses and helping slow eye growth.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Safe, nightly prescription drops shown to reduce myopia progression in many children.

Healthy Vision Habits

We’ll guide your family on daily eye-healthy habits, like increasing outdoor playtime and following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

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Protect Your Child’s Future Vision

Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses — it’s about keeping your child’s eyes healthy for life. The earlier we begin myopia control, the better the long-term outcome.

If your child is nearsighted or showing early signs (squinting, eye rubbing, sitting close to screens), let’s take a closer look.

Visit VIVID VISION CARE in Henderson, Nevada, or schedule a Myopia Control Consultation today.

Call us at (702) 433-1102 or book online at vividvisionnv.com