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.

kids in classroom


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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747 Reviews
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- Jun. 23, 2024
Great place, great people, great selection.
- Jun. 18, 2024
I love the service they make you feel like family
- Jun. 12, 2024
Great place! Love Jamie!
- Jun. 06, 2024
Eyes on Missouri is an excellent eye care center and I can't recommend them enough! The staff are ve... ry friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Dr. Zahn was fantastic! I can't recommend this place enough and will be sending anyone I know with eye care needs to Eyes on Missouri for the best care! Thank you all for everything you do!
- May. 26, 2024
Excellent customer service
- May. 14, 2024
My family has been going to Eyes On Missouri for Years, Dr. Z is always a vibe, very professional an... d kids oriented..He’s great with my kids, talks them through everything! My kids are scared of anything near their eyes, but Dr. Z is so wonderful, he makes them feel comfortable and safe.. and that’s a HUGE PLUS for me(Mom) The staff is always friendly and eager to help!
- May. 13, 2024
This place was great. Everyone was helpful and the Dr. was great. Lots of options for glasses and th... ey arrived within a week. Fastest service I've ever received.
- May. 10, 2024
Eyes on Missouri is such a friendly environment! Dr. Hedgepath is absolutely amazing and so sweet. ... Jamie helped us with our eye care products and she was incredibly friendly and so polite. I definitely would choose this place over and over again. ❤️🥳
- May. 08, 2024
I took my 6-year-old daughter here to get eyeglasses. The doctor was very friendly and excellent wit... h her. It all got taken care of very quickly and thoroughly. I recommend eyes on Missouri to anyone. They're great
- May. 03, 2024
Best glasses for Medicaid
- Apr. 30, 2024
Dr. Zahn is Awesome! It was my daughter’s first time at an eye doctor, she was very nervous and he... made her feel comfortable! The staff were also fantastic, friendly & helpful! I won’t go anywhere else!
- Apr. 19, 2024
Staff is friendly and helpful. Like the location.
- Apr. 16, 2024
The service was efficient and effective. They have high customer care standards.
- Apr. 08, 2024
Both Docs are friendly, personable and actually KNOW us. The staff are friendly, helpful and a plea... sure to work with.
- Apr. 04, 2024
Thank you.
- Apr. 03, 2024
The service was fast,friendly and Professional and Jamie was very courteous and vibrant..thanks Jami... e..
- Mar. 24, 2024
Great Dr and great service. Their eyeglasses were pricey but I do love them.
- Mar. 15, 2024
So friendly and great service. I was totally impressed with the appointment. Very professional and p... rompt. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Easy to get appointments / short wait list. Fantastic and professional staff!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Good staff. Plenty of reminders for appointments.

View All 747 Reviews

Myopia Management in Jefferson City

Our optometry practice in Jefferson City

Photograph of Elizabeth  Hedgpath
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

boy in eye exam

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