For many parents, it can feel like a yearly ritual: the school year starts, and before long, their child is squinting at the board or struggling to see clearly again. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is one of the most common vision problems in children and it often seems to worsen more quickly during the academic year. But why does this happen?
 

Increased Near Work

During the school year, children spend a significant amount of time on near tasks like reading, writing, and using digital devices. This extended “near work” places additional stress on their visual system. While near work doesn’t cause myopia directly, studies suggest it can accelerate its progression, especially in children who are already predisposed.
 

Reduced Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors has been shown to help slow the development of myopia. Natural light exposure supports healthy eye growth and helps the eyes focus at different distances, giving them a much-needed break from close-up work. Unfortunately, when school is in session, kids often spend more time indoors, whether in classrooms, doing homework, or engaging in screen-based activities.
 

Digital Screen Use

Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are now essential tools in education. However, extended screen time can contribute to visual fatigue, eye strain, and may play a role in myopia progression. The close focusing distance required for these devices is especially taxing for developing eyes.
 

Lack of Visual Breaks

The demands of a structured school day often mean fewer opportunities for rest breaks from near work. Without conscious effort to practice habits like the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away), a child’s eyes may be under constant strain, making myopia worse.
 

Genetics and Growth

It’s also important to remember that myopia is partly genetic. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their child is more likely to develop it. Since children’s eyes are still growing, the combination of natural growth and environmental factors during the school year can contribute to a noticeable progression in nearsightedness.
 

What Parents Can Do

• Encourage daily outdoor play to increase natural light exposure.
• Limit recreational screen time and promote regular visual breaks during schoolwork.
• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor changes and catch progression early.
• Ask about myopia management options, such as specialized contact lenses, glasses, or atropine eye drops, which can help slow progression.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

While it may seem like your child’s nearsightedness worsens every school year, the truth is that the combination of near work, reduced outdoor time, and natural eye growth often makes these changes more noticeable during the academic months. With proactive care, healthy habits, and professional guidance, you can help protect your child’s vision and slow down myopia progression.
 

If your child is struggling to see clearly or you’ve noticed symptoms of myopia, schedule an eye exam with Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Lynnwood (425) 712-8443, Kirkland (425) 602-6153, or Seattle (206) 364-2273 to book an appointment today.