Back-to-school season means new backpacks, school supplies, fresh routines—and plenty of reading, writing, and screen time. But as you prepare your child for another school year, there’s one important item that may not be on your checklist: their vision.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. In Canada, one study found that approximately 17.5% of school-aged children have myopia, and one in three children with myopia had not previously been diagnosed.

With the visual demands of school increasing every year, understanding myopia and knowing what to look for can help parents stay ahead of potential vision problems.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common vision condition where children can see objects up close clearly, but objects farther away appear blurry. This can happen when the eye grows longer than it should or when the front of the eye is shaped in a way that causes light to focus in front of, rather than directly on, the retina.

For a child, this might mean having trouble seeing the teacher’s writing on the whiteboard, reading signs across the classroom, or seeing clearly during sports and other activities.

One of the tricky things about myopia is that children don’t always realize their vision is blurry. If they’ve never experienced clear distance vision, they may simply assume that what they see is normal. That’s one reason regular eye exams are so important.

Why Does Myopia Develop?

Myopia has both genetic and environmental factors. Children with parents who have myopia are more likely to develop it themselves, while environmental factors such as increased near work and less time spent outdoors may also play a role.

Back-to-school routines can mean more time reading, doing homework, using tablets and computers, and focusing on things up close. This doesn’t mean screens or schoolwork automatically cause myopia, but creating a healthy balance between near work and outdoor time is an important part of supporting your child’s vision.

Research suggests that spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing myopia. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends encouraging children to spend at least an hour outdoors each day, with more outdoor time being beneficial.

Signs Your Child May Have Myopia

Some children may complain that they can’t see the board clearly, but others may not say anything at all. Keep an eye out for signs such as squinting, sitting very close to the television or screens, holding books close to their face, rubbing their eyes, or avoiding activities that require distance vision.

Headaches or eye strain can also sometimes indicate that your child is working harder to see clearly.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.

Why an Eye Exam Belongs on Your Back-to-School Checklist

A comprehensive eye exam does much more than determine whether your child needs glasses. Your optometrist can assess their overall eye health, focusing ability, eye movement, coordination, and vision at different distances.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that school-aged children between 6 and 19 years old have a comprehensive eye exam every year.

If your child is diagnosed with myopia, your optometrist can also discuss myopia management options. These approaches are designed not only to correct blurry vision but, when appropriate, to help slow the progression of myopia.

Start the School Year With Clear Vision

A new school year is the perfect opportunity to make your child’s eye health part of your back-to-school routine. Encourage plenty of outdoor time, build regular breaks into screen and near-work routines, and make sure your child’s eye exams are up to date.

If your child is squinting, struggling to see the board, or you simply can’t remember when they had their last eye exam, visit us at Beyond Vision. Our team can assess your child’s vision and eye health and help you understand the best options for supporting their sight throughout the school year and beyond.