Myopia Management at Parkway Eyecare
If your child struggles to see the board in class, squints to watch TV, or holds books very close, they may be dealing with myopia (nearsightedness). Left untreated, myopia can worsen over time and increase risks for future eye problems.
At our Idaho Falls eye clinic, Dr. Justin Heintz provides proven, child-friendly treatments that help slow progression while keeping kids’ vision clear.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is when objects up close look clear, but things farther away, like the classroom board or a road signs, appear blurry. It’s one of the most common vision problems in children and often begins during school years.
The condition happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. While glasses or contacts can correct vision, they don’t stop the eye from continuing to grow. This is why many kids need stronger prescriptions year after year.
Early Myopia Control Matters
For kids, clear vision is essential for learning, confidence, and enjoying daily activities. A child who can’t see the board in class may struggle to keep up in school. On the field, blurry distance vision can make sports more difficult and less enjoyable.
But beyond these day-to-day challenges, untreated myopia often gets worse as children grow. Each year, prescriptions may become stronger, and higher levels of nearsightedness can raise the risk of eye diseases later in life.
By starting myopia management early, we can slow this progression and protect your child’s long-term vision. Our goal is simple: to give your child clear sight now and healthier eyes for the future.
Signs Your Child May Be Nearsighted
Kids don’t always realize when their vision isn’t normal—they often assume everyone sees the way they do. That’s why it helps for parents to watch for the signs of myopia, including:
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Squinting to see objects far away
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Sitting very close to the TV, computer, or classroom board
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Holding books, tablets, or phones very close to the face
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Frequent headaches or eye strain
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Declining performance in school or sports that require distance vision
If you notice any of these behaviors, an eye exam can provide answers.
Myopia Control Options in Idaho Falls
Corrective glasses or contact lenses help kids see clearly, but they don’t stop myopia from getting worse. That’s where myopia management comes in. At Parkway Eyecare, we offer safe, proven options that can slow the progression of nearsightedness and protect your child’s vision for the future:
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MiSight® 1 day contact lenses: The first FDA-approved contacts proven to slow myopia progression in children.
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Multifocal soft contact lenses: These specialty lenses provide clear vision while helping to reduce eye growth that drives myopia.
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Lifestyle guidance: Simple changes like encouraging more outdoor playtime and reducing extended screen use can make a big difference in slowing myopia.
Every child’s eyes are different, which is why Dr. Heintz takes time to design a plan that fits their unique needs and lifestyle.
Who Benefits from Myopia Management?
Myopia management is most effective when started early, but it can benefit many children and teens who are nearsighted. Your child may be a good candidate if:
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They’ve recently been diagnosed with myopia
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Their prescription keeps getting stronger each year
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You or other family members are nearsighted
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They spend long hours on screens or mostly indoors
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They struggle with schoolwork, sports, or daily activities due to blurry distance vision
At Parkway Eyecare, we focus on helping children in Idaho Falls and nearby communities protect their vision during the years it matters most.
Why Choose Parkway Eyecare?
We know parents want the best for their children’s vision and future. That’s why families across Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Ucon, and Rexburg turn to us for trusted myopia management.
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Experienced Care: Dr. Justin Heintz has over 16 years of experience in eye care, with specialized training in contact lens fittings, including myopia control options.
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Family-First Approach: As a father and youth sports coach, Dr. Heintz understands how important clear vision is for children’s confidence in school, sports, and everyday life.
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Community Roots: Parkway Eyecare has served the community for nearly 40 years, building relationships with families across generations.
Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Child’s Vision
Clear sight today is important, but protecting your child’s vision for the future matters even more. We make myopia management simple for families in Idaho Falls.
Schedule your child’s myopia consultation and see why families across Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Ucon, and Rexburg trust Parkway Eyecare for their children’s eye health.
