Refraction is the part of an eye exam that measures how your child’s eyes focus light, so the optometrist can determine the best prescription for clear vision. For children with myopia (nearsightedness), accurate refraction is essential—not just for seeing clearly, but also for tracking progression and guiding myopia management. What happens during a refraction eye exam: Autorefractor : Your child may first look into a machine that gives an initial estimate of their prescription. It’s quick...

If you or your partner are nearsighted, it’s natural to ask: is myopia genetic? The short answer is yes—myopia (short‑sightedness) tends to run in families—but genes are only part of the picture. A major scientific review, Myopia Genetics and Heredity , brings together decades of research and shows that both inherited risk and a child’s daily environment shape whether myopia develops and how fast it progresses. What the study found Strong heredity: Family and twin studies summarized in the...

If you or your child is nearsighted, you’ve probably wondered: what is an ophthalmologist, and do we need to see one? An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. They diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and perform eye surgery. For people with myopia (short-sightedness), an ophthalmologist can play a key role in preventing complications and slowing progression, especially in children. Ophthalmologist vs...