Vision Therapy in Livonia

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(734) 525-8170

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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.

Meet our Myopia Management Doctor

Kayla Smith O.D., FCOVD
Patient Reviews
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- Mar. 05, 2026
Great place. Been going there for over a decade. Dr and staff are wonderful.
- Feb. 26, 2026
I did vision therapy at Suburban Eye Care and the whole experience was great. Dr. Smith and Amanda a... nswered all my questions and worked with me to address my issues every step of the way. I'm very pleased with my results and recommend Suburban Eye Care to my clients, friends and family. They provide top notch care.
- Feb. 21, 2026
They have wonderful staff here!
- Feb. 18, 2026
Highly qualified team.
- Feb. 13, 2026
Love Suburban Eye Care and their staff. The staff is always there to support your optical needs and... they go above and beyond. Super friendly. Just met Dr. Arnold and she is wonderful.
- Jan. 24, 2026
All the staff was so nice, patient, and catered very well to my 3 year old daughter’s needs very w... ell. 10/10 experience.
- Jan. 17, 2026
Very prompt and attentive.
- Oct. 29, 2025
I received vision therapy here at Suburban eye care. My vision was good, but my visual processing w... as among the worst cases. I had trouble driving, especially at night among other symptoms. (Binocular Vision disorder and eye turn). I received weekly therapy and did eye exercises daily. I improved dramatically. I recommend Suburban EyeCare for vision therapy. If you do the exercises you can improve you visual processing. I don't fear falling and I can drive at night now among other results.
- Oct. 27, 2025
I had a great experience working with Suburban Eye care and Amanda in VT. Before starting eye therap... y, I had been struggling for a long time with a variety of issues, including dry eyes and headaches, all of which started after I had LASIK surgery. I saw multiple specialists, but nothing seemed to help. After starting eye therapy, the results were truly transformative. One of the biggest changes for me has been my dry eyes. I used to have to use eye drops every 30 minutes, but because of the eye therapy, I haven’t needed to use them at all! The reduction in my headaches has been another huge improvement. I’m also amazed at how much my visual memory has improved, which I never expected to be related to my vision issues. The staff at this center is knowledgeable and supportive throughout the entire process. They do a great job at helping you understand the “why” behind the exercises and tailor activities to meet you where you’re at to ultimately reach your goals. I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and would highly recommend this therapy to anyone struggling with similar issues.
- Oct. 09, 2025
High quality, thorough eye exams. Dr. Smith is excellent. Staff are excellent. Very accommodatin... g appointments. They've helped me with exams, glasses and occasional eye pain issues caused by foreign objects. I read another comment you can't get exams here and then take the script to Costco. I've done that, no problem. They were perfectly ok with that. One of a few places that offered vision therapy if you need that.
- Oct. 07, 2025
This was my first time here. Needed new prescription glasses. The whole staff were amazingly friend... ly and courteous. I saw Dr Yousif, very professional and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this facility. Great prices for eyeglasses and contacts.
- Sep. 19, 2025
I see Dr. Arnold in this office. He's super patient and very knowledgeable, as is everyone I've inte... racted with here. Everyone is kind and willing to help. Dr. Arnold has also gone above and beyond, as far as I'm concerned. I was overthinking the eye exam (which is better, 1 or 2) and was struggling to get the proper prescription. Dr. Arnold helped by asking new questions and trying new methods to help in ways that worked better for my brain. I definitely appreciate all he has done, as well as all the staff, for making going to Suburban Eye Care a great experience.
- Sep. 16, 2025
Best doctors and pleasant and helpful staff at Suburban Eye Clinic, I've been going there for years ... and trust the positive way they do business.
- Aug. 18, 2025
Everyone, every time has been very friendly and helpful.
- Aug. 14, 2025
Excellent service
- Aug. 14, 2025
Wonderful staff and doctors! Especially Rachel at the front desk and Dr. Arnold, the newest doctor o... n staff.
- Jul. 23, 2025
Great first time experience at this office
- Jul. 19, 2025
Dr. Arnold answered all my concern. Was. Very knowledgeable And friendly. He will be my eye docto... r from now on
- Jul. 09, 2025
We are so happy we decided to enroll our daughter in vision therapy. Before starting the program, s... he struggled with reading. Even with support from her teachers and school interventionist, her fluency remained slow. Since completing the program, we've seen tremendous improvement in her test scores, reading level, and—most importantly—her confidence. The therapy addressed not only eye tracking but also other essential skills that have helped her feel more successful in school. I highly recommend this program to any parent, and I especially recommend Suburban Eye Care. The team was responsive to all of my emails, questions, and concerns throughout the process. The program itself was engaging and hands-on, and the staff made it truly enjoyable. My daughter always looked forward to her sessions and never wanted to leave—they made learning fun! We are forever grateful for the growth and success our daughter has experienced.
- Jun. 17, 2025
Great people work here, entire staff were caring and knowledgeable people who have the patients best... interest at all times.

View All 496 Reviews

Myopia Management in Livonia

(734) 525-8170

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Kaitlyn Arnold
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • 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 Suburban Eye Care today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(734) 525-8170

Your Guide to Slowing Myopia Progression