Vision Therapy in Livonia

Does Myopia Run in Families?

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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 Specialist

Kayla Smith O.D., FOVDR
Patient Reviews
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439 Reviews
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- Apr. 18, 2025
Amazing place to do Vision Therapy! My 10 year old daughter was here for 9 months and her improvemen... ts were amazing. She loved her vision therapists and can also see her work has helped her in school and everyday life.
- Apr. 09, 2025
After a head injury, I was experiencing vision problems for about 10 years. My vision was blurry and... looked almost like a vhs recording or an old CRT TV. It was incredibly difficult to read, especially on screens, and I frequently became dizzy, anxious, and nauseated. I had panic attacks randomly and felt off balance and dissociated all the time. I also had severe TMJ and neck pain. I saw several doctors (including eye doctors, neurologists, ENTs and Psychiatrists) and received many different treatments including sinus surgery, TMJ botox, and several different anxiety medications. Unfortunately, none of these really had an impact, and my symptoms persisted. Other eye doctors I saw said my eyes were dry from allergies and all my routine eye exams were normal. It wasn't until I was screened for vision dysfuntion by Dr. Smith that I learned that it was not just anxiety or allergies and I had vision problems that could be treated through vision therapy. Dr. Smith and Ms. Amanda were incredibly caring and skilled, and after completing a 4 month VT program, I no longer suffer from any of my previous symptoms. My life has changed completely, and it's amazing to go through a work day without dry heaving or having a panic attack. It was also nice that all of the activities for VT were similar to games, and there were no pills or surgeries involved. I was a little sceptical of the light bed therapy, but once I started the light bed sessions I was amazed how effective it was for reducing my nausea and managing my sensory issues. I can't recommend VT highly enough!!!
- Apr. 08, 2025
Wow. This was my second visit to Suburban EyeCare and I am beyond happy that I have chosen them to b... e my eye care provider. Every member of their team with whom I interacted was professional, polite, helpful and kind, in a very sincere and genuine way. I have been to numerous eye care providers over the years and Suburban EyeCare is by far the best. Thank you to my friend Jack E for the initial referral last summer - he told me they were great, and he was 100% correct.
- Mar. 21, 2025
I'm always taken care of, even despite the terrible luck I have 🙏🏻
- Mar. 08, 2025
Dr. Arnold was great, friendly staff and a wide selection of glasses.
- Mar. 06, 2025
We loved working with Ms. Amanda for vision therapy for our 10 year-old. She was great communicating... with us to ensure proper practice was done on the at home work. The practice bribes were a hit. We were always greeted with a smile and it’s a bonus that they have things to do for siblings in the waiting room.
- Mar. 04, 2025
Excellent, professional service with good follow up.
- Feb. 16, 2025
Your appointment time is honored and your time is respected. Professional and friendly staff A+ orga... nization start to finish.
- Feb. 06, 2025
Great experience! Dr. Smith was absolutely amazing and took her time to explain everything and look ... at everything. Would recommend her to everyone that I know!
- Feb. 06, 2025
Friendly and competent staff.
- Jan. 30, 2025
Dr Smith and the entire staff is helpful, caring and took the time to explain the treatment necessar... y.
- Jan. 24, 2025
They are so friendly and transparent when it comes to exams and purchasing eyewear. Dr. Arnold is so... great - I'd recommend him to anyone!
- Jan. 23, 2025
Great service and staff. Highly recommend for pediatric eye exams.
- Dec. 22, 2024
Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and caring. Dr. Arnold spent extra time helping me find the correc... t contact lense.
- Dec. 21, 2024
Dr. Arnold is a great eye dr., and he takes time and explain everything concerning your eyes.
- Dec. 12, 2024
We have been coming to you guys since 2001!!! Yep. Over 2 decades. We love you. However, very sad Dr... Jacobi is retiring. We love him But, we use Dr. Smith, and she is WONDERFUL.
- Dec. 09, 2024
Always a great experience. Dr. Jacobi is a caring and truly helpful low vision specialist and provi... des excellent service. The staff is helpful and friendly as well.
- Nov. 19, 2024
Doctor and staff are very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to talk with. This was my first visit, a... nd I look forward to my next!
- Oct. 23, 2024
Very awesome staff!!
- Oct. 12, 2024
Attention, caring and thorough exam, answers, direction. I always feel confident that I've gotten th... e best care and advice. Takes time, not rushed through. Best experience.

View All 439 Reviews

Myopia Management in Livonia

(734) 525-8170

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Kayla Smith
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

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