Your Health Vision Health

Vision Health

Keep an eye on your kid’s vision health.

What is Myopia Among Children and Young Adults?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that allows you to see the objects near you clearly but makes your vision of the objects far away blurry. Myopia is a common condition that affects an estimated 1 out of 4 Americans*, and 1 in 2 people globally**. It is an eye-focusing disorder, not an eye disease. 

It may develop slowly, or rapidly and usually worsens during childhood and adolescence. Myopia usually runs in the family but environmental factors such as lack of time outside may increase the risk of developing the condition.

Nearsightedness is often first detected during childhood and is commonly diagnosed between the early school years to teenage years. A child with nearsightedness may:

  • Persistently squint
  • Need to sit closer to the television, movie screen, or the front of the classroom
  • Seem to be unaware of distant objects
  • Blink excessively
  • Rub their eyes frequently***

According to Prevent Blindness and the National Optometric Association****, as a child grows, untreated eye disease or condition becomes more difficult to correct. Talk to your doctor about your child’s vision and discuss possible options.