When your child starts sitting too close to the TV or struggles to see the whiteboard at school, it might be more than just a passing phase.
In Newmarket and Richmond Hill, children are spending more time on screens than ever before—often in classrooms with bright lights and small print. Combine this with Ontario’s long winters and reduced outdoor time, and it’s no wonder pediatric optometrists are seeing an increase in myopia (nearsightedness) at younger ages. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we help parents recognize early signs of myopia and offer proven myopia management solutions like MiSight and ortho-k for kids in York Region.
The 5 Signs of Myopia in Children
Here are five subtle but important signs that your child may be developing myopia—and what you can do about it:
1. They Squint to See Distant Objects
When a child squints, they’re trying to sharpen their focus. If your child is narrowing their eyes to see the TV, the board at school, or even road signs, it’s time for an eye exam. This is one of the earliest and most obvious symptoms of nearsightedness.
2. They Sit Too Close to Screens or Hold Books Near Their Face
Many parents in Newmarket notice their children sitting just inches from their iPads or televisions. While this behaviour might seem normal for digital natives, it’s also a red flag. Children with myopia see better up close—so they instinctively bring things closer to stay comfortable.
3. Headaches and Eye Rubbing
Is your child complaining of headaches after school? Are they rubbing their eyes more than usual? These can both be signs of eye strain, especially if their vision is blurry or they’re overexerting to focus on distant objects.
4. Trouble Seeing the Board at School
Teachers in the Newmarket and Richmond Hill school systems are often the first to notice a vision problem. If your child frequently moves to the front of the classroom or asks for printed copies of board notes, they may be struggling with undiagnosed myopia.
5. Falling Behind in Sports or Outdoor Play
Vision is crucial for coordination. Children with progressive myopia may avoid sports, struggle to follow the ball, or appear clumsy on the field. In areas like ours, where outdoor time is already limited during colder months, vision challenges can add another barrier to physical activity and social development.
Myopia Management Options for Children in Ontario
Spotting the signs is just the first step. The good news is that myopia progression can be slowed—sometimes significantly—with proactive care. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we tailor every treatment plan to your child’s vision needs, age, and comfort level. Here are the most effective myopia management tools we offer:
- Ortho-K lenses (orthokeratology): Worn overnight, these custom-fitted lenses gently reshape the cornea during sleep, allowing for clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day. Great for active children and teens in Newmarket and Richmond Hill.
- MiSight® 1 Day lenses: Daily disposable contacts explicitly designed for children. These FDA-approved lenses slow myopia progression while delivering clear, comfortable vision.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: Ideal for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses. One drop in each eye before bedtime helps reduce the progression of nearsightedness.
- MiyoSmart and Stellest glasses: These advanced spectacle lenses offer everyday vision correction while utilizing myopia control technology. An innovative solution for children who prefer wearing glasses.
Every child is different. That’s why we begin with a pediatric eye exam and detailed eye measurements before recommending a plan. From there, we’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and make sure your child feels confident and supported throughout their care.
Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future with Myopia Control in Newmarket & Richmond Hill, ON
It’s easy to dismiss squinting or eye rubbing as typical childhood habits—but those minor signs can point to bigger changes happening inside your child’s eyes. Left unchecked, progressive myopia can increase the risk of severe eye conditions later in life.
At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we understand that busy parents need clear answers and local solutions they can trust. That’s why we offer compassionate, cutting-edge myopia management in Ontario. Our goal? To protect your child’s vision—now and for the years ahead.
Book their appointment with our children's eye doctor in Newmarket & Richmond Hill to start protecting your child’s eyesight today.
Myopia in Children FAQs
At what age should my child get screened for myopia?
Children can be screened for myopia as early as age 4 or 5. Early detection is key, especially if there’s a family history of nearsightedness or your child shows signs like squinting or sitting close to screens.
How long does myopia management last?
Most children remain on a management plan throughout their teenage years. The goal is to slow progression during the years when vision tends to change most rapidly.
Can myopia be cured?
While it can’t be reversed, myopia can be controlled. With the proper treatment options, we can significantly reduce how quickly your child’s vision worsens—and protect them from future eye health risks.