We're Supporting Myopia Awareness Week 2026 — Here's Why It Matters
- Lynn Valley Optometry
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Myopia Awareness Week runs May 18–24, 2026. Lynn Valley Optometry is proud to be a supporter.
Every year, the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) and Review of Myopia Management dedicate a week to shining a light on myopia — one of the fastest-growing eye health threats of the 21st century. This year, we're joining the global movement with a clear message: start early, protect vision for life.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive condition where close objects appear clear but distant ones look blurry. It happens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
More importantly, myopia is not just a prescription issue. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious complications later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Why Children? Why Now?
Research now shows that myopia often begins during the school-age years — and once it starts, it can progress quickly. Globally, rates are rising at an alarming pace. By 2050, it's estimated that half the world's population will be myopic.
In Canada, children are spending more time on screens and less time outdoors than ever before. Both are known risk factors for myopia onset and progression.
The earlier myopia is detected, the more options we have to slow it down.
The Myopia Awareness Week Mission: Three Actions That Make a Difference
This year's campaign focuses on three clear calls to action:
1. Book annual comprehensive eye exams for school-aged children. Many children don't know their vision is blurry — it's simply the world they've always seen. A comprehensive eye exam is the only reliable way to detect myopia early and monitor changes over time. Screenings at school are not a substitute.
2. Encourage at least 2 to 3 hours of outdoor play daily. Exposure to natural light plays a protective role in healthy eye development. Time outdoors has been consistently shown to reduce the risk of myopia onset in children. It's one of the simplest and most evidence-supported tools we have.
3. Keep spreading the word. Awareness saves sight. Share this post. Talk to parents in your community. Ask your child's teacher about screen time at school. Every conversation helps.
What We Can Do at Lynn Valley Optometry
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia — or if you're noticing signs like squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or complaints about headaches — we're here to help.
Our myopia control program is built around early intervention, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. We don't just update prescriptions; we actively work to slow progression and protect your child's long-term visual health.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Worn overnight, Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea so your child wakes up to clear vision — no glasses or contacts needed during the day. Non-invasive, drug-free, and clinically proven to slow myopia progression. A particularly strong option for active kids and athletes.
MiyoSmart Lenses
MiyoSmart glasses use DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology to slow the eye elongation that drives myopia progression, while looking and feeling just like regular eyeglasses. A great fit for younger children just starting to wear prescription eyewear.
MiSight® Contact Lenses
The first FDA-approved daily disposable soft contact lens proven to slow myopia progression in children aged 8 to 12. MiSight® lenses correct vision and manage progression at the same time — with the convenience and hygiene of a fresh pair every day. Well-suited for older children who are ready for the responsibility of contact lens wear.
Stellest® Lenses
Stellest® lenses by Essilor use H.A.L.T. technology — a pattern of micro-lenses that slow the eye growth responsible for myopia progression. Clinical studies show they can slow progression by up to 60% when worn at least 10 hours per day, with no rebound effect reported. Worn exactly like regular glasses, with no special care routine required.
Every child's myopia progresses differently, and the right treatment depends on their age, prescription, lifestyle, and rate of change. We'll assess all of that and guide you toward the approach that makes the most sense for your child.
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
Squinting or tilting their head to see clearly
Sitting very close to the TV or holding devices close to their face
Frequent headaches or eye rubbing, especially after screen time
Difficulty seeing the board at school
Losing interest in activities that require distance vision
If you've noticed any of these, an eye exam is a great next step — not something to wait on.
Book a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Lynn Valley Optometry is proud to stand alongside the Brien Holden Vision Institute and thousands of clinicians worldwide this Myopia Awareness Week. Together, we're working toward a future where fewer children grow up with preventable vision loss.
Is your child due for an eye exam? We'd love to see them.
Lynn Valley Optometry is a proud #MAW2026 supporter. Learn more about Myopia Awareness Week at bhvi.org/maw2026.