If you're a parent in Seattle, chances are you've heard a lot about myopia lately. With more children spending time on screens and less time outdoors, myopia is becoming more common and progressing at faster rates than ever before. At Optometry Medical Group, we work with families every day to help manage and slow the progression of myopia. Understanding how it develops from childhood through adulthood is key to protecting long-term eye health.

Myopia in Young Children (Ages 3-7)

In the earliest years, myopia can be subtle. A child may squint when looking at the board in preschool or kindergarten, move closer to the TV, or lose interest in activities that require distance vision—like playing catch or looking at birds in the trees. Parents might not notice right away because young children often assume that what they see is “normal." Early detection is crucial. A comprehensive eye exam can catch the first signs of myopia before it starts progressing rapidly.

Myopia in School-Age Children (Ages 8-12)

For many children, myopia becomes more noticeable in elementary school. They may start complaining that they can’t see the board clearly, struggle with sports that require good distance vision, or prefer sitting closer to the front of the classroom.

This is also the age when myopia can progress quickly. The growth of the eye is accelerating, and without intervention, a child’s prescription may worsen by the year. That’s why myopia management is so important at this stage—early intervention can significantly slow down progression and reduce future risks of severe nearsightedness.

Myopia in Teenagers (Ages 13-18)

Teenagers with myopia may feel the effects more acutely, especially when driving, playing sports, or using digital devices for long periods. Many find that their prescription keeps changing, requiring stronger glasses or contacts every year. This is a critical window for myopia management. Slowing progression now can help prevent high myopia, which increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Myopia in Adults (Ages 19 and Up)

By adulthood, myopia tends to stabilize, but that doesn’t mean it stops having an impact. People with higher levels of myopia may need specialized contact lenses, struggle with dry eye from extended screen time, or experience increased sensitivity to glare at night.

Long-term eye health is a concern, too. Higher prescriptions come with a greater risk of developing eye diseases that affect vision later in life. Regular eye exams remain essential for monitoring and maintaining eye health.

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia doesn’t have to progress unchecked. We offer personalized myopia management plans tailored to each child’s needs. From orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses to specialized soft contact lenses and atropine eye drops, there are effective options to help slow myopia’s progression.

Seattle families trust us to provide expert myopia care in a way that fits their lifestyle. Whether it’s helping a child see the whiteboard clearly, making sure a teen is comfortable behind the wheel, or protecting long-term eye health, we’re here to help.

Take Action for Your Child’s Vision

Myopia is more than just needing stronger glasses—it’s a progressive condition that can impact long-term eye health. The earlier we intervene, the better we can slow its progression and reduce future risks. We’re committed to helping families in our community take a proactive approach to myopia management with personalized care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s vision or want to explore myopia management options, schedule an eye exam with Optometry Medical Group. Visit our offices in Seattle, Washington, call (206) 322-6915 for our Rainier office, or call (206) 395-2285 for our Madison office.