Do you find it hard to read street signs or recognize faces from a distance, even though reading up close feels easy? If so, you might be dealing with myopia, a condition also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is one of the most common vision issues worldwide, especially among children and young adults.
Parents of children with nearsightedness often wonder whether it can be reversed. In short, no, myopia cannot be reversed. However, it can be effectively corrected and its progression slowed using several modern treatment options. With the right approach, your child can enjoy clearer vision and protect your long-term eye health.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows to become too long or the cornea becomes too curved. This irregular shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye that converts light signals for the brain) instead of directly onto it.
As a consequence, distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains sharp.
Common Symptoms of Nearsightedness
Common symptoms of nearsightedness include:
- Blurry distance vision
- Squinting to see clearly
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches, especially after visual tasks
- Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they often worsen without treatment.
What Causes Myopia?
Genetics play a major role—if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop the condition. But lifestyle factors can also contribute, including:
- Excessive screen time
- Not spending enough time outdoors
- Long periods of close-up work, like reading or studying
Children today are being diagnosed with myopia at younger ages than previous generations, partly due to increased screen use and indoor lifestyles.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
A comprehensive eye exam is the first step towards diagnosis. This typically includes:
- Visual acuity testing to measure how clearly you see at various distances
- Refraction testing to determine your prescription
- Eye health assessment to rule out other conditions
Early diagnosis is key, especially for children. The earlier myopia is detected, the better it can be managed.
Treatment Options to Correct & Manage Myopia
Even though we can’t reverse myopia, we can correct vision in the present and slow the condition’s progression for the future. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Glasses for Myopia
Eyeglasses with concave lenses are a simple and effective way to correct blurry distance vision. Options include:
- Single-vision lenses for standard distance correction
- High-index lenses for stronger prescriptions that are lighter and thinner
- Progressive lenses for people who need both near- and distance-vision correction
For children, MiYOSMART lenses are a management option designed to slow myopia progression. They use special defocus segments to reduce eye elongation, one of the key drivers of worsening myopia.
2. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer a wider field of vision and are a great alternative for people with active lifestyles. Types of contacts include:
- Daily disposables for convenience and hygiene
- Extended-wear lenses (with optometrist guidance) for longer wear time
For kids, MiSight® contact lenses are the first soft contact lenses approved to slow myopia progression. They work by using a dual-focus design to limit the stimulus encouraging eye elongation.
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
It’s particularly effective for:
- Children and teens whose myopia is progressing quickly
- Adults who want daytime freedom from lenses or glasses
- Athletes and those with active routines
Ortho-K also has a strong track record in slowing the progression of myopia in children.
Long-Term Myopia Management
Managing myopia is not a one-time fix—it requires ongoing care. That’s why regular eye exams are essential, especially for children whose eyes are still developing.
Advanced diagnostic tools, such as ocular biometry, can track eye growth and help predict future changes. This allows your optometrist to tailor treatment plans and adjust them as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia
Can myopia go away on its own?
No. Once developed, myopia does not go away—but it can be corrected and its progression slowed.
Does myopia always get worse with age?
Myopia often progresses during childhood, then tends to stabilize in early adulthood. However, without management during childhood, it tends to progress reliably.
Is laser eye surgery an option?
Yes, but only for adults. Refractive surgeries like LASIK can permanently correct the refractive error, but they do not stop eye growth or reduce the risk of future eye conditions related to high myopia.
Is it dangerous?
Mild myopia usually isn’t harmful, but high myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Take Control of Your Vision in Calgary
Whether you’re exploring options for your child or looking to improve your own vision, managing myopia starts with a comprehensive eye exam. At Southwood Eyecare in Calgary, AB, we offer personalized myopia control solutions—from MiYOSMART and MiSight to Ortho-K and beyond.
Take the first step toward better vision. Schedule an appointment today to find the right treatment for you or your child.
