How to Help Your Child Manage Myopia at School

As children spend more time reading, using digital devices, and doing close-up work at school, myopia is becoming increasingly common¹. Left unaddressed, it can make learning harder and lead to more serious vision problems later in life.  

With access to myopia management in Blue Island, parents can take proactive steps to protect their child’s vision. In this blog, we’ll explore how to support your child with myopia at school and the treatments available to help slow its progression. 

Recognizing signs of myopia in the classroom 

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. If your child is squinting to see the board, sitting too close to screens, or complaining of headaches, it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam. These symptoms often become more noticeable in a school setting, where clear vision is essential for learning. 

How myopia affects learning 

Clear distance vision is critical for copying notes, following classroom instruction, and participating in activities like sports or music. Uncorrected myopia can make it harder for kids to keep up, leading to frustration or a drop in academic performance. Even subtle vision issues can interfere with concentration and reading comprehension. 

Treatment options to slow myopia progression 

At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we offer a variety of research-backed treatments to slow the progression of myopia: 

• Orthokeratology (ortho-k): Special lenses worn overnight gently reshape the eye so your child can see clearly during the day—no glasses or daytime contacts needed. 
• Low-dose atropine eye drops: Used at bedtime, these specially formulated drops have been shown to slow myopia progression in children. 
• Multifocal contact lenses: These soft lenses offer different zones of focus to correct vision and reduce eye strain while slowing myopia development. 
• MiSight® contact lenses: FDA-approved daily lenses designed specifically for myopia control in children. They correct vision and are clinically proven to slow myopia progression. 

We tailor our treatment plans based on your child’s vision, age, and lifestyle to ensure they’re getting the most effective care possible. 

Tips for managing myopia during the school day 

Even with treatment, certain habits can support better vision at school: 

• Encourage regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
• Make sure your child has an up-to-date pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses for clear vision throughout the day. 
• If they wear ortho-k lenses, it helps to stay consistent with their nighttime routine. 
• Talk to teachers about your child’s vision needs, such as sitting closer to the board if needed. 

Schedule regular eye exams 

Myopia can progress quickly during the school years, so routine checkups with our Blue Island optometrists are essential. This allows us to monitor changes in prescription and adjust the treatment plan as needed.  

To schedule an appointment at Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, please give us a call or fill out our online appointment request form. 

References: 

1. Casey Eye Institute (2022, June 3). Myopia on the rise, especially among children. Oregon Health & Science University. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.ohsu.edu/casey-eye-institute/myopia-rise-especially-among-children