Vision Therapy in Tucson

Understanding and Managing Myopia in Children

(520) 663-5393

Why Myopia Control Matters

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that plagues millions of children worldwide. When a child is nearsighted, distant objects appear blurry, while those up close remain crystal clear. It's a condition that impacts their vision and can affect various aspects of their daily lives.

The good news is that myopia can be managed. Myopia management is a proactive approach aimed at slowing down or even halting the progression of myopia in children. By intervening and seeking expert solutions, you can help ensure your child's visual health remains strong as they develop.

Exploring myopia management options is not just a choice; it's a commitment to safeguarding your child's visual health and well-being.

young girl with glasses rubbing eyes


boy with glasses holding head

Understanding Myopia and How it Affects Children

Myopia often begins during childhood and, if left unmanaged, can progress and lead to more severe nearsightedness. This progression increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment later in life.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Myopia

Children experiencing myopia may exhibit symptoms such as:

  • squinting
  • headaches
  • eye strain
  • difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school
  • needing to sit close to the TV

If you've noticed these signs in your child, it's essential to schedule an eye exam to assess their eye health and determine their level of myopia.


Why Early Intervention is Necessary

Effective myopia management requires early intervention. Catching myopia early and slowing the condition’s progression can significantly reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with developing severe eye conditions later on.

boy rubbing eyes


Exploring Myopia Management: Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding myopia's causes and risk factors in children is essential for effective management. Several key factors contribute to the development of myopia, impacting children's vision and overall eye health:

  • Myopia Runs in the Family

    A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of your child developing this condition, emphasizing the importance of proactive management.

  • The Impact of Too Much Screen Time

    Excessive hours spent reading or using digital screens significantly increase the likelihood of myopia development in children, highlighting the need to balance screen time with outdoor activities.

  • Inadequate Outdoor Exposure

    Children who don't spend enough time outdoors are at a greater risk of developing myopia. Outdoor activities and natural light play an essential role in maintaining good vision.

  • Childhood Onset and Rapid Progression

    Myopia often emerges during childhood and may progress more rapidly during growth spurts. Early intervention during these crucial years is essential for slowing its progression and preserving clear vision.

Patient Reviews
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208 Reviews
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- Mar. 09, 2026
Very professional. Easy to get appointments. Dr Horst makes sure I understand his diagnosis. Great ... selection of frames to choose from.
- Feb. 27, 2026
Dr.Dechant and staff were so gentle and caring towards our 2 year old. She has been terrified of the... eye doctor due to a bad experience at AZ eye consultants but the entire team made us feel comfortable and really tried to make the visit as easy and non traumatic for her. We appreciate all they did for us and will be returning customers.
- Feb. 26, 2026
I visited FVC to get CRT lenses for me and glasses for my daughter. Good selection of glasses, frien... dly staff, verry good doctor, and they have all equipments to get what I need done.
- Feb. 25, 2026
Our family has been going here for years and have stayed here... which is a testament to how much we... love being patients here. Great staff; professional, friendly, and easy to talk to.
- Feb. 24, 2026
I highly recommend Family Vision Center without hesitation!
- Feb. 23, 2026
Great job
- Feb. 21, 2026
Fabulous office. My experience has always been extremely positive. Dr. Amy is thorough, professional... , highly competent and extremely personable.
- Feb. 21, 2026
Dr. Horst has given me exceptional eye care for more than a decade. The front desk staff and optica... l technicians are friendly, efficient, and helpful.
- Feb. 20, 2026
Been going for years and it's always easy in easy out!
- Jan. 27, 2026
Highly recommend Family Vision Center!! They are friendly and knowledgeable.
- Dec. 27, 2025
I was a new patient and from the time I entered the service was impeccable. I'm a big stickler on cu... stomer service and I will say from the smiles to the greetings they had me before I even saw the doctor. The first point of contact was professional and efficient, just very smooth. Was called back in less than five minutes of entering. Again, very professional, greeted with a smile, a great greeting and a genuine sense of caring. The first point of contact was a technician to do the preliminary testing for the doctor and she explain every step in great detail. Very impressed! Took me to the patient room for a couple more test with the tech and then was told that the doctor would be right in. Yup, 3 minutes later Dr. Amy came in, greeted me like we knew each other for years. Made me feel so comfortable. I did have a eye problem that developed recently that had me a little worried and Dr. Amy made me feel relaxed and that there was nothing to worry about right off the bat. She is amazing, explained and showed me exactly what was going on with my slight blurred vision in one eye and made sure I knew it was nothing even remotely serious to make me feel better through her whole exam. I'm telling you, I'm 60 years old and been around and this is the first time in a vision center that I felt like a true patient and not looked at for $$. The explanation of all the tests, the showing of the pictures of my eyes and telling me my eyes were good with all the explanations, they were not perfect but not trying to sell me a prescription that was not needed. I use readers and she explained my insurance and what they pay every year. I asked her since a prescription wasn't needed could I use my insurance benefit for good readers with the right strength in each eye instead of the $20 pair from walgreens. Took me to the optician and we found a pair that my insurance covered and I will have a great pair of readers soon. My experience here was just awesome!! I would definitely recommend this business if you want great service and awesome knowledgeable doctors, along with very knowledgeable opticians that were never in a hurry and never a "just buy those" mentality. They really cared!! This place definitely deserves a 10 out of 5 in my book and that says alot coming from someone who holds very high standards!! Thank you Dr. Amy and your team for the utmost professionalism that you and your team showed this patient!!
- Oct. 10, 2025
Dr. Fisher is wonderful. He is kind and patient with my boys. He is also informative and thorough wi... th my prescriptions as well. Aaron is also great with picking out glasses and ordering the correct lenses to meet our needs. Thanks guys!!
- Aug. 22, 2025
I've been coming to this eye care center for years, both for my vision care and my kids. Can't say e... nough good things! They have a great selection of glasses to fit all budgets. The staff is so friendly & helpful, the doctors are too! Dr. Amy is wonderful, a great listener as well as quick & efficient. Highly recommend! 👍
- May. 29, 2025
I have very special eyes with complications with my retina , cornea , structure of my eyes. However,... the team is incredibly knowledgeable and kind.
- May. 28, 2025
I was very welcomed in Laura had attended to my needs and helped me understand the differences on ty... pes of lenses. She was very patient with all of my questions and never once rushed me. I highly recommend Walmart supercenter vision and glasses. At 2501 W. HAPPY VALLEY. They have an amazing team over there!
- Mar. 08, 2025
My whole family comes here for our eye exams. We have been coming here for 6+ years and we have see... n every one of the Eye doctors here and let me tell you…. They are all amazing! We come in for our yearly checks to eye issues and they are always spot on!! Professional, kind, caring! We all absolutely look forward to coming in and seeing them and getting our new glasses! Thanks guys for making something kinda scary for little kids and some adults, something to look forward to!
- Feb. 14, 2025
What a great welcome from all the staff ! Office is very nice and clean , staff were so friendly . J... un and Curtis Dechant, O.D. were wonderful. All of us got nice prescription glasses and sun glasses. Thank you so much for making us feel welcome and comfortable. Anthony, Aiden and me 🙂
- Jan. 14, 2025
My husband & I have been patients of Dr. Curtis Dechant for years. We always get thorough exams, gr... eat advice.
- Jan. 11, 2025
The entire staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and professional. Dr Horst was very patient, list... ened to concerns, answered all questions thoroughly, and even escorted me out to the front desk after the exam. The front desk staff and techs were equally friendly and knowledgeable. Anastazia (?) took the time to schedule an appointment for me when I was referred to an eye specialist by Dr Horst. I would highly recommend Family Vision Center to anyone in need of vision care.
- Nov. 22, 2024
I work out of town and was having some symptoms that started feeling alarming to me. Dr. Amy and her... team got me in quickly, ran some tests, and reassured me that things were OK. We then scheduled my regular eye exam for a few weeks down the road. Retest to make sure things were good - refit with new contact lenses. Insurance billing for both medical and vision taken care of with very little hassle on my end. Seeing great and resting easy. Thanks so much Family Vision! Highly recommended!

View All 208 Reviews

Myopia Management in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Mark Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • EyeMed
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • Avesis

boy rubbing eyes

Myopia Management for Children of All Ages

If you've noticed signs of myopia in your child or are concerned about their eye health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at Family Vision Center. Our team is committed to helping your child enjoy a future with clear, unaided vision.

We believe in providing myopia management for children of all ages. No matter your child's age, we can tailor a myopia management plan to their needs. Early intervention is the key to success.

Contact Family Vision Center  today to determine if your child qualifies for myopia management.Take the first step towards better health.

(520) 663-5393