Back-to-School Eye Health: Why Myopia Control Matters for Your Child
A Clear Vision for a BRIGHT Future
It’s August: the month of sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and a renewed sense of possibility. While parents are checking items off the back-to-school supply list, one essential item often gets overlooked: a comprehensive eye exam.
August also happens to be Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your child’s vision is set up for success. And in 2025, there’s an urgent topic parents need to know about: the rise of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and how we can slow it down.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects look blurry, while near vision stays clear.
Common signs your child may be myopic:
Squinting to see the board at school
Sitting close to the TV or holding books very close
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Struggling with sports that require distance vision
Did you know? Myopia rates have doubled in the past 30 years, and researchers estimate that half the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.
Why This Matters Beyond Glasses
While glasses and contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they do not slow the progression of myopia. The higher the myopia prescription, the greater the risk for serious eye conditions later in life, such as:
Retinal detachment – The retina can tear or detach, threatening vision.
Myopic macular degeneration – Damage to the central retina causing permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma – Increased risk of optic nerve damage.
Cataracts – Higher risk and earlier onset.
This means slowing myopia progression in childhood isn’t just about better vision now—it’s about lifelong eye health.
The Myopia Epidemic: Why It’s Getting Worse
Increased screen time (tablets, phones, computers) and less outdoor play are the biggest modern risk factors. Studies have shown that children who spend at least 90 minutes a day outdoors have a significantly lower risk of developing myopia. Natural light stimulates healthy eye growth, while near work (especially on screens) can encourage excessive eye elongation.
BRIGHT Sight™ Myopia Control Program
The BRIGHT Sight™ Myopia Control Program, found only at BRIGHT Eyes, is a structured, evidence-based plan designed to slow the progression of myopia, reduce long-term eye health risks, and help your child’s vision stay strong as they grow.
Myopia Control: How We Can Slow it Down
At BRIGHT Eyes, we offer specialized, evidence-based myopia control treatments designed to slow progression by 30–60% or more. Our options include:
1. MiSight® 1 day Lenses
FDA-approved for children as young as 8 years old.
Special concentric treatment zones in the lens signal the eye to slow its growth.
Daily disposables for maximum hygiene and convenience.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Overnight lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.
Provides clear vision all day without glasses or contacts.
Especially great for active kids in sports.
3. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
A nightly drop that helps slow eye elongation.
Painless and easy to use.
Can be combined with other treatments for stronger results.
💡Quick Tip for Parents: Create a Screen Time Balance Plan:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play every day.
Avoid prolonged close-up work without breaks.
When Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?
First exam: By 6 months old
Next: At 3 years old
Before school: Around age 5–6
Annually thereafter, especially if there’s a family history of myopia or other eye problems.
Even if your child passed a school vision screening, that’s not the same as a comprehensive exam. Screenings can miss up to 75% of vision problems.
Back-to-School Eye Health Checklist
✅ Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
✅ Update glasses or contact prescriptions
✅ Stock up on artificial tears if needed
✅ Review healthy screen time habits
✅ Consider myopia control if your child’s prescription is changing quickly
📅 Book Your Child’s Back-to-School Myopia Consult Today
Don’t wait until vision problems affect school performance. Schedule a 15-Minute Myopia Control Consultation with BRIGHT Eyes and learn how our BrightSight™ Myopia Control Program can help protect your child’s vision for life. Spots in our program are limited to ensure personalized care.
👉 Book Now or call us at 828-2DRYEYE (237-9393)
Educational content only; not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
