Myopia: What Every Parent Should Know

In my clinic, I’m often asked whether using a night light will worsen a child’s vision. It’s a question that comes up again and again, usually tied to an old study that still circulates online. As both a pediatric ophthalmologist and a parent, I want families to know that the concern is understandable—but the fear is outdated. When we look at higher-quality data, night lights are not the driver of nearsightedness, and parents can make this choice without worry.

I see this all the time in my clinic—and in my own home. As both a pediatric ophthalmologist and a mom of three, I know how overwhelming the screen time battles can feel. We all want to protect our kids’ health, but between conflicting studies, endless advice, and the sheer pull of technology, it’s tough to know where to start. That’s why I always turn back to the research and then ask: how do we actually make this doable in real life?

I see kids every single day who come in for glasses, only to need a stronger prescription year after year. Parents often wonder if the glasses are actually making things worse—and the truth is, in some ways, they can. In this blog, I’m breaking down why nearsightedness progresses, what new research shows about traditional lenses, and the exciting advances in glasses that can actually slow myopia in children.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and mom, I get asked all the time why my kids don’t wear glasses—even though my husband is very nearsighted. The truth is, I started them on low-dose atropine eye drops years ago, before they ever needed glasses. In this post, I share why I made that decision, the science behind treating “pre-myopia,” and what it’s been like balancing evidence, parenting, and prevention in real life.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist, I see firsthand how quickly nearsightedness can progress in kids—and why it’s about more than just glasses. In this episode, I talk with my friend Shieva Ghofrany, MD, a mom of three and high myope herself, about the real-life challenges of starting myopia treatments for her children and why she made it a non-negotiable. If your child’s prescription keeps increasing, this conversation will help you feel informed and empowered.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and a mom, one of the questions I get asked most often is why so many kids are nearsighted today. It’s not just a trend—rates of myopia have risen dramatically, and it’s about more than glasses. Early and fast-progressing nearsightedness increases the risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. In this post, I break down why we’re seeing this rise, why it matters, and what parents can do to help protect their children’s long-term eye health.

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, I break down what every parent should know about nearsightedness, screen time, and protecting your child’s vision. Backed by research and real-life experience, this episode makes kids’ eye health easier to understand—and act on.

In this episode of It’s Good to See You, Dr. Rupa Wong dives deep into the world of myopia management for kids. With the rising prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand how they can help slow down its progression in their children. Dr. Wong explains the science behind myopia, including Dr. Earl Smith’s theory of hyperopic defocus, and why addressing this early can protect your child’s vision for the long term. She also explores four effective myopia management treatments — low-dose atropine, MiSight contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), and special spectacle lenses like Stellest and Miyosmart glasses. If your child struggles to see clearly or you’ve noticed them squinting at the board, this episode will provide valuable insights and actionable advice.