Myopia: clear up the distance with Expert Vision Care
Struggling to read street signs but fine up close? You may have myopia (nearsightedness).
At Custom Eye Care at the Rim in North San Antonio, we diagnose myopia early, explain what’s driving it, and guide families to treatment options that fit age, lifestyle, and long-term vision goals.
What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
People with myopia are usually able to see well up close, but have difficulty seeing objects at a distance. Due to the fact that they may be straining or squinting to see into the distance, they may develop headaches, eye fatigue or eye strain.
Myopia means clear near vision but blurry distance vision. It happens when the eye’s focusing system causes light to land in front of the retina instead of on it, so faraway objects look out of focus.
Myopia is one of the most common – and fastest-growing – vision issues worldwide, especially in school-age children and teens.
How to Tell if You or Your Child has Myopia?
Common signs include:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects (board at school, road signs, TV)
- Squinting to try to sharpen focus
- Eye fatigue and eyestrain, especially after screen time or homework
- Headaches, often frontal or around the eyes
If you or your child shows these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is the quickest way to confirm what’s going on.
Why Does Myopia Develop in Children and Adults?
Myopia typically develops from a mix of eye shape, genetics, and environment:
- Eye shape & focus – An irregularly shaped cornea or a slightly longer eyeball causes light to focus in front of the retina
- Genetics – Myopia often runs in families
- Age of onset – It commonly begins in childhood and progresses until ~age 20
- Lifestyle factors – Prolonged near work (reading, screens) and limited outdoor time are linked with progression
Understanding why myopia is happening helps us tailor the right correction – and, for kids, choose strategies that can slow progression.
Myopia in Children: Why Early Action Matters
Myopia often starts in grade school and can increase during growth spurts. The higher the prescription climbs, the stronger the lens needed – and the greater the lifetime reliance on correction.
Early detection lets us discuss age-appropriate options that can reduce the rate of change while keeping kids active and seeing clearly.
Life with myopia: what clear vision can look like
Whether you’re a student, athlete, commuter, or avid reader, the right correction means:
- Crisp distance vision for school, sports, and driving
- Less eyestrain during screens and study
- Confidence in everyday activities (presentations, performances, team play)
Your Next Step: Connect Symptoms to Solutions
Treatment depends on age, lifestyle, and goals. Some patients thrive with glasses or daily contacts, while children and teens may benefit from options designed to slow myopia’s progression.
Explore our myopia treatment options to see what’s available at Custom Eye Care at the Rim and how we match each patient with the right plan.
Schedule a Myopia Consultation in North San Antonio
Ready for clearer distance vision – and, for kids, a plan to slow changes? We’re here to help. Call us at or schedule a myopia consultation online.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Parents
Does more screen time cause myopia? Screens don’t directly cause myopia, but lots of near work and less outdoor time are linked with progression. We’ll share practical routines that help.
Will my child “outgrow” myopia? Myopia usually stabilizes in late teens/early 20s; it doesn’t typically reverse. That’s why early management matters.
How often should kids get eye exams? Annually – or more often if we’re actively managing progression.
