Vision Therapy in Durham

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(860) 349-2323

‹ Back to Myopia Management

Exploring the Hereditary Nature of Myopia

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a visual condition that results in blurry distance vision while nearby objects remain clear. Concerns about your child's sight often lead to the question: Does myopia run in families? Understanding the genetic aspects of myopia is crucial for proactive management.

kids in classroom

mom reading book to child

The Genetic Factor

Myopia does indeed have a genetic link. If one or both parents have myopia, the likelihood of their children developing this condition increases. When both parents have myopia, the risk is even greater. Indeed, the genetic factors contributing to myopia can pass from generation to generation.

Environmental Factors

Lifestyle choices and daily habits can significantly impact myopia development and progression. Excessive screen time, a lack of outdoor activities, and prolonged periods of near work, such as reading or studying, can increase the risk of myopia.

Children are especially susceptible to environmental factors as their visual systems are still developing. These external influences can work in tandem with genetics, shaping how myopia progresses over time.

Early Intervention is Key to Myopia Control

Knowing your family's myopia history can help you seek early intervention. Effective strategies can manage and control its progression, even with a genetic predisposition.

  • Lifestyle Adjustments

    Simple lifestyle changes, like reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities, can reduce myopia progression and protect your child's visual health.

  • Dietary Choices

    Nutritional adjustments, such as a diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients, can support your child's vision and contribute to myopia management.

  • Regular Eye Exams

    Scheduling routine eye exams allows for early detection and timely intervention, which is crucial in managing myopia.

  • Educational Support

    Providing information and support about myopia to family and friends can raise awareness, foster understanding, and create a network of care.

Patient Reviews
4.1
19 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 18, 2024
My first time. Great experience with eye exam with Dr. Arnista. Kalli in the "eye-glass shop" area w... as also excellent. Overall, excellent experience.
- Sep. 18, 2024
The office is easy to work with and the staff is always polite and professional.
- Apr. 19, 2024
I have been a patient here since 2009 and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. Th... e staff are all very nice, knowledgeable, professional and do everything they can to get you the care you need with the least amount of cost to the patient. I have 3 different eye insurance plans and they have always consulted them to see where I can get the best "deal". Dr. Sites is amazing and always explains everything in a way that I can understand. I highly recommend them! Thank you Durham Family Eye Care!!
- Dec. 08, 2022
I've been going here for quite a few years. I've never had a negative experience. The staff are wond... erful. They are so accommodating if you need to run in to have your glasses fixed or even to order another pair WITHOUT an appointment. The exams are quick and thorough. If you need or want an earlier appointment that the one given you're put on a 'stanby' list and you get a call or text as soon as someone cancels and are offered that appointment if you can take it. All insurance is excepted, included State of CT. I hope this review helps you to decide if this practice is the right one for you. I definitely reccomend going here.
- Apr. 14, 2021
Best eye exam and glasses purchase experience in many years. Entire staff was very professional, at... tentive to details and was never felt rushed. Will definitely be coming back here for future eye care.
- Apr. 09, 2021
Everyone at this office is super friendly, knowledgeable, willing and able to explain everything in ... a way patients can understand. They are up to date with tech and getting digital imaging of the back of the eye. I recommended them to one of my Neuro diverse clients and they also had a good experience there.
- Jun. 29, 2019
Love this place. Stopped in to make an appointment (haven't had my eyes checked in my entire adult l... ife), was able to get an appointment the same week. Was told 1.5 weeks to receive my glasses and they were in, in only 4 days! They worked with both my medical and eye insurance to get me the best price. They doctor was amazing, most soft spoken doctor I've ever met, very nice. She walked me through the entire exam and made sure i was comfortable the entire time. I have never had this great of an experience in any other doctors office! 5 stars. Would definitely recommend using them!
- Aug. 17, 2018
Dr Sites is absolutely amazing. She diagnosed an eye issue in my son at age 5 and worked extremely h... ard to improve his eye sight. Initial diagnose was by middle school even with glasses he wouldn't be able to see 20/20. And with years of hard work, he sees 20/20 with his prescription. The staff is so courteous and kind and helpful. Everyone is great here. I can't think of any negative thing about this office.

View All 19 Reviews

Myopia Management in Durham

(860) 349-2323

Our optometry practice in Durham

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Frances Sites
Hours
  • Monday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Anthem
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue View Vision
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • FEP Blue Vision
  • Guardian
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • MetLife
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Optum
  • Oxford
  • Premier Eye Care
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • WellCare

boy in eye exam

Professional Myopia Solutions for Your Family

Understanding the hereditary aspect of myopia is the first step in addressing your concerns. Discover how our experts can help manage the risks of myopia within your family. Visit Durham Family Eye Care today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(860) 349-2323

Myopia Management Articles