Skip to content

Does Myopia Run in Families?

Exploring the Hereditary Nature of Myopia

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.

Girl sitting at desk in a classroom writing in a notebook
A woman reads a book to a baby on her lap.

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
103 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
Austin P. - Jun 18, 2025
My wife had an incredibly frustrating experience here trying to get a simple pair of contact lenses.... After multiple failed attempts to get her prescription right — despite her clearly explaining that the lenses were not working — the staff seemed more interested in insisting that their numbers were correct rather than actually listening to the patient. Instead of acknowledging the issue or offering real solutions, they resorted to gaslighting her by claiming that her vision was perfectly fine at 20/20 — even though she could clearly tell her vision was off and uncomfortable. It felt dismissive, unprofessional, and honestly insulting to be told that what she was experiencing wasn’t real. We expected care and accuracy — not attitude and deflection. We will definitely be taking our business elsewhere and recommend others think twice before trusting this place with their vision needs. Edit: After posting this review, Dr. Sumner personally reached out to us and took the time to make things right. We genuinely appreciate that they cared enough to follow up and resolve the situation. It’s clear that they value their patients and are willing to correct mistakes when they happen. That effort meant a lot to us.
Hunter S. - May 6, 2025
Dr. Meyette is a true gem of an optometrist. During my visit he was friendly, thorough, and he expla... ined every aspect of my vision and overall eye health in a way that was clearly understandable. I had a very pleasant experience with him and with everyone I interacted with in the office. I definitely recommend Sumner Vision.

Myopia Management in Cherry Creek

Our optometry practice in Cherry Creek
Photograph of Rachael Lux
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
A young boy wearing glasses and being examined by a doctor in a clinic.

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 Sumner Vision today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.