Vision Therapy in Jefferson City

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(573) 635-1313

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.

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mom reading book to child

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
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- Mar. 28, 2025
Dr. Zahn is so awesome! Takes time to really listen to any concerns and is goofy and fun while in th... e exam room!
- Mar. 13, 2025
Dr. Zahn & his team have taken care of me for the past 4 years and I am so grateful to them. They ar... e always so helpful and cheerful. It's fun going to see them and they always make me feel so welcome. They have a really good selection of eyeglass frames from luxury brands as well.
- Mar. 08, 2025
Everyone at Eyes on Missouri is knowledgable, helpful, friendly, and professional. Dr. Zahn is simp... ly amazing! I have complex vision issues and he was able to help me obtain the best outcome I have had in over 35 years and several opthamologists. In addition, Dr. Zahn is kind, compassionate, and respectful to his patients. I feel very fortunate to have found Eyes on Missouri and Dr. Zahn upon my recent move to central Missouri!
- Mar. 08, 2025
The very best!
- Feb. 17, 2025
The quality of my vision examinations is top notch at Eyes on Missouri. If you’re experiencing any... problems with your eyes, don’t wait, visit Eyes on Missouri now. You won’t regret it.
- Feb. 14, 2025
Very fast eye exam. Doctor was very knowledgeable about diabetes effects on eyes.
- Feb. 12, 2025
I had a great experience with these people. All of them were friendly and knowledgeable. My optometr... ist took the time to explain all my opinions and addresses my concerns. Very nice digs too. 😀
- Feb. 09, 2025
Outstanding people from the receptionist to the doctor.
- Feb. 04, 2025
Very friendly and professional staff. Got me in quickly for an emergency appointment after an injury... . Called at 8am and appointment was at 10am. Clean and spacious building makes you feel comfortable while you’re there and Dr Hillhemp I believe was the name of the lady that checked me out and she was AMAZING. I usually use Dr Zahn but he was out of the office this day. He is also very friendly and very informative. Nowhere else I’d rather go for my eye care.
- Feb. 02, 2025
Everyone is so friendly and helpful!
- Jan. 23, 2025
I always get friendly service at Eyes on Missouri. Highly recommend Dr. Zahn and this location for ... your eye care services!
- Jan. 23, 2025
I like both doctors in this office. Friendly, fast service.
- Dec. 19, 2024
The staff is amazing!!! I stepped on my glasses and broke the frame. The staff was able to find me... a replacement frame extremely quickly. I highly recommend you come here for your eye care needs.
- Dec. 14, 2024
the ONLY place to get glasses!
- Dec. 08, 2024
Stellar customer service! And my favorite (nerdy) part is the purposeful and unobtrusive efforts the... y make to ensure time is managed well *without* making patients feel rushed or unattended. For example, they use an adaptation of a technique called Kanban, where a visual on the wall alerts patients in the waiting area to whether or not the doctors on are on time or not. This may seem minor but it effectively communicates if there will be an extended wait. I also noticed that a staff member who works with patients to choose eyewear came into the exam room at the end of my exam, presumably at a predetermined time to help the entire staff remain on track for the appointments for the day. If a medical team is that dedicated to simple time management strategies, imagine the level of care and dedication they exhibit when it comes to patient care and eye health! As long as I live in the area, I will continue to receive care from Eyes on Missouri and encourage everyone else I know to do the same!
- Dec. 06, 2024
Highly recommend Eyes on Missouri! I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door and the staff help... ed in getting a great frame that fit my face and bridge.
- Dec. 02, 2024
Great experience an quality
- Nov. 22, 2024
Everyone here from in to out was very pleasant, efficient and helpful.
- Nov. 14, 2024
They are very nice people super fast
- Nov. 02, 2024
I’ve been going here for years love the customer service and the quality of the glasses! So many c... hoices too!

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Myopia Management in Jefferson City

Our optometry practice in Jefferson City

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Hours
  • Monday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife

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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 Eyes On Missouri - Jefferson City today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(573) 635-1313