Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a very common refractive error, especially among children and young adults. While many treat it as a minor inconvenience corrected by glasses or contact lenses, high or progressive myopia can lead to more serious eye health complications.
Can myopia cause blindness? No, myopia doesn’t directly cause blindness, but it can increase your risk of serious eye diseases that may lead to permanent vision loss if left unmanaged.
Fortunately, with early detection through comprehensive eye exams and the right myopia management strategies, you can help protect long-term vision and eye health.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error that affects how light focuses inside the eye. Normally, light enters the eye and focuses directly on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). In a myopic eye, either the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
It’s a condition that often begins in childhood and may worsen during the teenage years as the eyes continue to grow. For many, myopia stabilizes in early adulthood, but for others, it progresses and becomes more severe over time.
Causes & Contributing Factors
A combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role in the development of myopia. If one or both parents are nearsighted, there’s a significantly higher chance their child will be too. But lifestyle factors also contribute—spending long hours doing close-up tasks (like reading or looking at screens) and not enough time outdoors can increase the risk of developing or worsening myopia.
Some symptoms that may suggest a child is developing myopia include:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain
- Poor school performance or trouble seeing the board
- Holding books or devices very close to the face
How Myopia Can Lead to Vision Loss
Mild to moderate myopia usually doesn’t pose a threat beyond needing corrective lenses. However, high myopia (typically defined as -5.00 diopters or more) can increase the risk of several potentially sight-threatening complications, including:
- Retinal detachment: The elongation of the eye can stretch and thin the retina, making it more susceptible to tearing or detachment.
- Glaucoma: A condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if untreated.
- Cataracts: Myopic eyes may be more likely to develop cataracts earlier in life.
- Myopic macular degeneration: In very high myopia, the tissue at the back of the eye can degenerate over time, leading to permanent central vision loss.
These complications don’t affect everyone with myopia, but they’re much more likely when the condition progresses without proper management.
Managing Myopia: What Are Your Options?
The good news is that there are several ways to help slow or control the progression of myopia, especially when it’s caught early in children and teens. Some common myopia management options include:
Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
Corrective lenses remain the most widely used option. Special types of myopia control lenses, such as multifocal glasses or soft multifocal contact lenses, can help reduce the rate of eye growth in children.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea. The lenses are removed in the morning, and the individual enjoys clear vision throughout the day without additional correction.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are another promising treatment for slowing myopia in children. At the low concentrations typically used, they can help regulate eye growth without significantly affecting vision or causing side effects.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple changes in daily habits can have a significant impact. Encourage children to:
- Spend at least 1–2 hours outdoors daily.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time or reading, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Take breaks during homework or screen use.
- Maintain proper posture and lighting during near work.
Can Myopia Be Prevented?
While we can’t always prevent myopia, especially if there’s a strong family history, we can often delay its onset or slow its progression. Early eye exams can help, ideally starting by age 5 or earlier if there are any concerns. Monitoring vision regularly allows your eye doctor to spot changes and intervene early.
If you’re noticing signs of nearsightedness in your child, don’t wait. Starting myopia management early can reduce the risk of serious complications later in life.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Regular eye exams are the cornerstone of managing myopia and protecting your vision. Schedule an appointment if:
- Your child is struggling to see clearly at a distance
- You’ve noticed signs of worsening vision or eye strain
- You have a personal or family history of high myopia
- You’re interested in learning more about myopia control treatments
We’re dedicated to supporting families through every stage of vision development. Our team can assess your child’s risk, provide personalized treatment options, and monitor their progress over time to help protect their long-term sight.
Protecting Your Eyes for Life
While myopia doesn’t directly lead to blindness, the risks associated with high myopia are real and should be taken seriously. Understanding the potential complications and acting early with comprehensive care can help safeguard your or your child’s vision for the future.
Whether you’re looking for advice on managing childhood myopia or concerned about worsening nearsightedness as an adult, we’re here to help. Contact Lifetime Optometric today to schedule an exam and build a proactive plan for lifelong eye health.