Whitby, ON
(905) 728-7017
844-292-1216
Whitby, ON
(905) 728-7017
At Whitby Family Eye Care, we understand the importance of clear vision for children of all ages. Myopia—also known as nearsightedness—is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry.
While glasses and contacts can correct vision, there are now options for myopia control that can slow the progression of myopia in children. Through regular eye exams, we can monitor your child’s visual development and recommend myopia control strategies based on their needs.
We offer a comprehensive myopia control program and use axial length measurements to recommend myopia control options. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
The length of the eyeball (axial length) is a key factor in myopia. People with myopia usually have eyes that are longer than average.
Our team can use axial length measurements to measure your child’s eyes. This helps us:
Myopia itself is manageable, but high myopia (severe nearsightedness) can increase the risk of eye diseases later in life, such as:
This is because high myopia is associated with an elongated eyeball, which can put a strain on the retina and other structures of the eye. Early intervention with axial length measurement and myopia control can help slow this elongation and potentially reduce these risks.
Myopia rates are increasing around the world. Many studies estimate that approximately 30% of the global population is affected by myopia now, and that number could be near 50% by 2050.
While genetics plays a role in myopia development, research suggests that less outdoor time and more screen use in children may be fueling this trend, too.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is kind of like the opposite of myopia. For people with hyperopia, close objects appear blurry because the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light rays to focus behind the retina instead of on it.
Myopia, on the other hand, affects distance vision because the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina.
Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurred vision at all distances. It’s important to note that astigmatism can sometimes coexist with myopia, meaning a child can experience both conditions simultaneously.
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects people’s ability to focus on near objects. The mechanisms that help the eye focus close up can become less effective with age, making it harder to read and perform other close-vision tasks.
Myopia specifically affects distance vision, but people with myopia can also develop presbyopia as they get older.
While dry eyes can be uncomfortable and may cause blurry vision, there is no direct link between dry eyes and the development of myopia. Dry eye symptoms that affect vision can sometimes be mistaken for myopia progression, but they are often caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface instead.
There are many causes of blurry vision, and it’s important to get a clear diagnosis. We can help you understand what’s affecting your sight with a comprehensive eye exam.
Myopia control can go beyond just correcting your child’s vision. Early intervention can safeguard their eye health for years to come by helping reduce the risk of future problems associated with high myopia.
By addressing myopia early, we can help empower your child to see clearly, feel confident, and embrace life’s adventures to the fullest.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today and get an early start on myopia management.
Whitby Family Eye Care is at the north east corner of Thickson Rd & Hwy 2, in the KFC plaza. Parking is conveniently located right outside the practice.
Our team of optometrists at Whitby Family Eye Care are proud to offer the following eye care services:
Contact us today by booking an appointment online or giving us a call, and we will be happy to assist you.
If you have an emergency, please visit your nearest emergency department or health care physician.
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday: | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Saturday: | By Appointment Only |
| Sunday: | Closed |
