A parent recently shared that they hadn’t realized how quickly their child’s vision had changed—until a school vision screening revealed serious myopia progression. By the time they came to Mill Creek Vision, the prescription had worsened dramatically in just one year.
Stories like this remind us that annual eye exams are not just routine—they are essential for protecting your child’s long—term vision.
When it comes to myopia control, time matters. Early detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment adjustments are key to slowing progression and preserving healthy sight.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This refractive error often starts in early childhood and tends to progress rapidly during growth years.
If left unmanaged, myopia can lead to serious eye health risks later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Managing myopia early and consistently is the best way to reduce these future risks.
Why Annual Eye Exams Are Non—Negotiable
Children’s eyes can change rapidly—sometimes significantly within just 12 months. Without annual eye exams, those changes can go undetected, allowing myopia to progress unchecked.
Regular exams allow us to:
- Track prescription changes over time
- Monitor eye health and optic nerve condition
- Detect early signs of complications like dry eyes, eye strain, or vision problems from screen use
- Adjust myopia control treatments promptly if needed
Skipping even one year can allow vision deterioration that is much harder to reverse later.
How Eye Exams Support Myopia Control Treatments
At Mill Creek Vision, annual eye exams are critical checkpoints for evaluating how well myopia control treatments are working.
We monitor and adjust treatments like:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho—K): Specialized overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea.
- Atropine eye drops: Low dose drops shown to slow eye growth safely.
- Multifocal contact lenses: Soft lenses that correct vision while helping control myopia progression.
Think of myopia management like steering a ship—regular course corrections keep you headed in the right direction, while delays can allow you to drift far off track.
The Broader Benefits of Routine Eye Exams
Annual exams don’t just monitor myopia. They help detect other common issues like:
- Digital eye strain from digital devices
- Early eye infections
- Signs of high blood pressure or diabetes visible in the eyes
- Development of conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) if left untreated
A comprehensive eye exam provides a full picture of your child’s vision and overall health.
Stay Ahead of Myopia: Book an Eye Exam at Mill Creek Vision
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia—or if you simply want to stay proactive—an annual eye exam is the smartest step you can take.
Early detection and consistent monitoring are the foundation of successful myopia control.
Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam at our practice in Mill Creek and set them up for a lifetime of clearer, healthier vision.
