When you see your child squinting at the TV, moving closer to a book, or struggling to read the board at school, it’s natural to feel a little worried. No parent wants to see their child miss out or fall behind — especially when it comes to something as important as their vision.
If it feels like their prescription gets stronger every year, you’re not imagining it. Many families experience the same thing, and it can bring up understandable questions: Is this going to keep getting worse? Is there anything we can do?
The reassuring news is yes, at Bettner Vision we have highly effective ways to help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. And it all starts with a compassionate, comprehensive children’s eye exam.
What Is Myopia & Why It Matters for Kids
Myopia is incredibly common, and many parents feel caught off guard when they first hear their child needs glasses. Understanding why their vision is changing can make the journey feel much less overwhelming.
A Simple Look at Nearsightedness
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where you can see objects nearby clearly, but objects farther away appear blurry. In children, this often happens when the eye grows a little too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Why Stronger Prescriptions Matter
When a child’s myopia gets stronger, their dependence on glasses increases. Higher levels of myopia can also be connected to other eye health issues later in life. Myopia control treatments aim to slow down these changes to support your child’s long-term eye health and vision.
Spot the Signs of Myopia in Your Child
Kids don’t always speak up when something feels “off,” and many genuinely don’t realize their vision is blurry. Parents often tell us they feel guilty for not noticing sooner, but you shouldn’t. Blurry vision can hide in everyday habits, and these subtle signs are easy to miss without an eye exam.
Keep an eye out for common behaviors, such as:
- Squinting to see distant objects, like the TV or a whiteboard
- Moving closer to screens or books
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
- Having difficulty paying attention in school
Special Glasses & Contact Lenses for Myopia Control
When you hear your child’s eyes are getting worse, it’s easy to feel worried or even overwhelmed, but this is exactly where myopia control can make a real difference. Unlike standard glasses or contacts, myopia-control treatments don’t just sharpen vision. They help protect your child’s long-term eye health by slowing the progression of nearsightedness.
How Myopia Control Eyeglasses Work
Some kids do best with specialized eyeglass lenses designed specifically for myopia control. These lenses use different focusing zones across the surface to:
- Correct your child’s blurry distance vision
- Gently influence how their eye grows
- Reduce the signals that cause the eye to elongate
Over time, this can help slow the progression of nearsightedness, meaning fewer prescription jumps and better long-term eye comfort.
Myopia Control Glasses are Best suited for:
- Children who aren’t ready for contact lenses
- Kids who prefer something simple and low-maintenance
- Younger children (often ages 5–10)
- Families wanting an easy, no-fuss option
How Multifocal Contact Lenses Help Slow Myopia
For kids who are active, independent, or simply prefer contacts, soft multifocal contact lenses offer another effective option. These lenses also use multiple focusing zones to:
- Provide clear vision up close and far away
- Reduce the eye’s natural drive to lengthen
- Support healthier eye development over time
Contacts can feel empowering for older children and teens, especially those who play sports or dislike wearing glasses.
Multifocal Contacts are Best suited for:
- Children and teens who are ready for responsible lens care
- Kids who prefer a glasses-free option for school or activities
- Those with busy or active lifestyles who benefit from greater visual freedom
The First Step: A Comprehensive Children’s Eye Exam
The only way to know the right approach for your child is to schedule a complete eye exam. A thorough evaluation allows the eye doctor to determine your child’s exact prescription, assess their eye health, and discuss a suitable myopia control plan.
What to Expect at the Appointment
A children’s eye exam is a simple and comfortable process. The team will assess your child’s vision, measure their prescription, and check their overall eye health. This gives the optometrist a full picture to recommend the best next steps.
Why Regular Exams Are So Important
Annual eye exams are important for tracking changes in your child’s vision. For children with myopia, these check-ups allow the doctor to monitor how their eyes are developing and adjust their treatment plan as needed for the best possible outcome.
Create a Custom Myopia Plan for Your Child
Every child’s eyes, and every family’s routine, are unique. That’s why our team takes the time to explain each option and help you choose something that fits your child’s personality, comfort level, and lifestyle. You deserve to feel confident in the decisions you’re making.
Your Child’s Unique Vision Needs
After a full evaluation, the doctor can recommend the most appropriate glasses or contact lenses. The team will walk you through the options and answer any questions you have. This helps you make a confident decision for your child’s vision.
Partner With Your Local Eye Doctor
Myopia control isn’t a one-and-done treatment — it’s a journey. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. Having a consistent, caring optometrist means your child always has someone watching out for their sight and supporting their growth year after year.
To learn how the Bettner Vision team can support your child’s vision today and as they grow, schedule a visit with us in Colorado Springs. We’re here to help your child see clearly, confidently, and comfortably.
