Back to School, Back to Vision Basics: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Back to School, Back to Vision Basics: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Grand Eye Care
2025-07-08
Why Your Child’s Vision Should Be a Top Priority This School Year
As July begins, the back-to-school rush is right around the corner. Between buying supplies, planning schedules, and prepping for that first-day photo, it’s easy to overlook one key part of your child’s readiness: their vision health.
If your child has myopia (nearsightedness) and it’s left untreated, it can quietly affect how they learn, play, and thrive in school. At Treehouse Eyes®, we believe clear vision builds confident learners—and now is the perfect time to act.

Why Myopia Is More Than Just “Blurry Vision”
Myopia makes it difficult to see things clearly at a distance and usually begins in childhood. But it’s not just about needing glasses. Myopia happens when the eye grows too long, and without treatment, it often worsens each year. This increases the long-term risk for serious eye conditions later in life.

Even in the short term, uncorrected or poorly managed myopia can cause children to:

  • Struggle to read the board or follow lessons

  • Complain of headaches or eye strain

  • Lose focus or interest in class

  • Avoid sports or group activities

  • Feel frustrated or fall behind academically

Many kids don’t even know their vision is a problem—they just assume what they see is normal.

Back-to-School = The Perfect Time to Check Their Vision
Teachers may not notice subtle signs of vision problems, and children don’t always speak up. That’s why a proactive approach before the school year begins can make all the difference. And while glasses or contacts help kids see better, they don’t slow the progression of myopia.

Treehouse Eyes®: A Smarter Solution for Myopia
Our team specializes in non-surgical, customized myopia treatment designed just for kids. We go beyond traditional correction to help protect long-term eye health and keep your child thriving in the classroom and beyond.

We offer:

  • Prescription eye drops to help slow eye growth

  • Specialized contact lenses worn overnight or during the day

  • Personalized lifestyle tips to support healthy visual habits

Our doctors have helped thousands of families manage myopia with confidence—and we’re here to support yours too.

🎯 Book a FREE Virtual Consultation This July
As you prepare for the school year, make vision part of the checklist. Healthy eyesight unlocks your child’s full learning potential—and Treehouse Eyes is here to help make that happen.

👉 Schedule your FREE virtual consultation now.

It’s fast, easy, and could be the most important back-to-school decision you make.

Let’s make this year your child’s clearest and most successful one yet!
May Is Healthy Vision Month — Is Your Child’s Vision at Risk?

May Is Healthy Vision Month — Is Your Child’s Vision at Risk?

Grand Eye Care
2025-05-01
As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children—keeping them safe, feeding them well, and making sure they thrive at school and in life. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked: their eyesight.

Sponsored by the National Eye Institute, May is Healthy Vision Month, and it’s the perfect reminder to take a closer look at your child’s vision. With more kids than ever spending time on screens and less time outdoors, their eye health may be at risk—especially when it comes to myopia, or nearsightedness.


Screen time has become a necessary part of learning, entertainment, and even socializing, but it comes at a cost. Extended close-up activities, like reading or using tablets and phones, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia—particularly in young, still-developing eyes. This is compounded by the fact that many children aren’t getting enough outdoor exposure, which studies have shown plays a protective role in maintaining healthy vision.

You might think nearsightedness simply means a pair of glasses. But the truth is, it’s a growing epidemic that can have serious consequences. Today, 1 in 3 kids in the U.S. is affected by myopia, and it’s showing up earlier and progressing faster than ever before. If left unmanaged, myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or even vision loss in adulthood.

That’s why early intervention is so important—and why it’s no longer enough to simply monitor a child’s changing glasses prescription. Slowing the actual progression of myopia is now possible, and families have options beyond just corrective lenses. That’s where Treehouse Eyes comes in. We’re the first and only eye care provider in the country dedicated exclusively to slowing or stopping the progression of myopia in children. Our proven, non-surgical treatments are designed specifically for kids and have already helped thousands of families give their child better vision and protect their long-term eye health.

Unlike traditional vision care, Treehouse Eyes focuses solely on managing childhood myopia with science-backed treatments tailored to your child’s needs. Our personalized care plans are built around each child’s unique eyes, lifestyle, and risk factors, helping give them not just better sight today, but healthier eyes for life.Why Wait? Get Expert Support from Treehouse Eyes Today!

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to act early. This Healthy Vision Month, here’s what you can do:
  • Watch for warning signs. Is your child squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaining about not seeing the board at school? These could be early signs of myopia.
  • Book a FREE virtual consultation with a Treehouse Eyes team member. They will assess your child’s risk and discuss potential options. Click here to schedule today!
  • Take the FREE Myopia Risk Assessment at TreehouseEyes.com. It only takes a few minutes and gives you a quick read on your child’s risk level.
  • Book an in-person consultation with your local Treehouse Eyes provider. Our doctors will evaluate your child’s eyes and build a personalized plan if treatment is needed.
  • Encourage outdoor play—research shows that even 90 minutes a day outside can help reduce the risk of myopia development.
    
Taking these small but important steps now can have a lasting impact. Myopia often progresses quietly, and children may not always speak up if they’re having trouble seeing. That’s why parental awareness—and action—matters so much.

As caregivers, we’re used to managing a long list of appointments and activities—but this one is worth bumping to the top. Protecting your child’s vision today can mean fewer health concerns, less reliance on strong prescriptions, and more confidence in the classroom and beyond.

Don’t wait for their next prescription to get stronger. Act now to give your child the clear, healthy future they deserve.







Encouraging Outdoor Play: A Key to Reducing Myopia Risk and Promoting Eye Health

Encouraging Outdoor Play: A Key to Reducing Myopia Risk and Promoting Eye Health

Grand Eye Care
2025-04-17
As caregivers, we all want our children to thrive, both physically and mentally. In today’s digital age, it's increasingly important to encourage children to engage in outdoor activities to reduce screen time and promote healthy eye development. While outdoor play offers numerous benefits, one of the most crucial advantages is its potential to reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. In the U.S. alone, 1 in 3 kids are now myopic and risk a lifetime of not just poor vision but also an increased risk of serious eye diseases associated with higher myopia.


Outdoor Play and Myopia Progression

Myopia is a growing concern for children worldwide with numbers reaching epidemic levels. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back (axial length), causing blurry vision at a distance. The prevalence of myopia has been rising rapidly, and research suggests that excessive screen time indoors may be a key contributor. Children today spend an increasing amount of time on devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, which can contribute to eye strain and the development of myopia.However, studies have shown that outdoor activities, especially those that involve natural light, can have a protective effect on children’s eye health. Spending time outdoors, playing sports, or simply engaging in recreational activities, can help slow the progression of myopia. One theory is that exposure to natural light helps regulate the eye’s growth, potentially reducing the risk of developing myopia or slowing its progression in children who already have it.In addition to reducing the risk of myopia progression, outdoor play helps improve a child's physical fitness, coordination, and social skills. It encourages active movement, fosters teamwork through sports, and provides a natural break from digital screens, which have become an increasing part of daily life for many children. As part of this shift, many parents and caregivers are turning to sports as a way to promote both physical health and eye health for their children.


Sports and Eye Health

Sports, from soccer and basketball to tennis and swimming, offer a variety of benefits for children. Not only do they provide opportunities for fitness and fun, but sports also help improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. However, sports can also pose certain risks to eye health. Whether it's a fast-moving ball or a player’s elbow, eye injuries are not uncommon in sports, and it's crucial to take steps to protect children from harm.This brings us to Sports Eye Safety Month in April—an observance dedicated to raising awareness about protecting the eyes during sports activities. While April is often a month when children are getting outside and actively participating in sports, it’s also a time to remember the importance of eye protection and safety measures. With so many children playing sports, this month serves as a reminder for caregivers to ensure their children are well-prepared to prevent injuries.


The Importance of Eye Protection During Sports

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sports-related eye injuries are among the leading causes of vision loss in children. Yet, many of these injuries can be prevented with the proper eye protection. During Sports Eye Safety Month, it’s essential to talk about the importance of equipping children with appropriate eyewear to reduce the risk of eye trauma while playing sports.Some of the most common sports that lead to eye injuries include:
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Baseball/Softball
  • Hockey
  • Racquet sports like tennis and squash
While sports like these are great for physical activity and social development, they also come with risks. From a flying ball to an elbow in the face, there are many potential hazards that can lead to eye injuries. However, the good news is that most of these injuries are preventable.


Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Eyes During Sports

  1. Wear Protective Eyewear: Ensure that your child wears sports goggles or safety glasses designed for the specific activity they are involved in. Protective eyewear can help prevent trauma from foreign objects, including balls and sticks, and shield the eyes from other accidents that could cause serious damage.

  2. Choose the Right Equipment: Different sports require different types of protection. For example, football players should wear face shields, while basketball players may benefit from padded eyewear. Always make sure the eyewear is appropriate for the sport your child is participating in.

  3. Proper Fit: It’s essential to choose eyewear that fits properly and is comfortable for your child. Ill-fitting glasses or goggles can easily be forgotten or not worn correctly, leading to ineffective protection.

  4. Regular Eye Exams: Beyond just sports-related injuries, regular eye exams are crucial for detecting conditions like myopia. Early intervention can help slow the progression of myopia and ensure that your child’s vision is at its best, both on and off the field.

Myopia Management: A Comprehensive Approach

At Treehouse Eyes, we specialize in myopia management for children. In addition to promoting outdoor play and sports safety, we offer effective, non-invasive treatments to help slow the progression of myopia. Options like Ortho-K lenses (contact lenses used to help shape the cornea overnight), MiSight® 1 day (soft contact lens proven to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment), and Atropine eye drops are all designed to help manage myopia in a way that is kid-friendly.If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, our team can provide a tailored treatment plan to help them maintain clear vision as they grow. Our focus is not just on vision correction, but also on preventing the progression of myopia, which can significantly reduce the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life such as retinal disease or glaucoma.


A Holistic Approach to Eye Health

This Sports Eye Safety Month, it’s crucial to remember that protecting your child’s eyes goes beyond just preventing injuries. By encouraging outdoor play, supporting sports participation, and focusing on myopia management, caregivers can play a vital role in safeguarding their child’s vision for the future.At Treehouse Eyes, we are here to support you with expert advice, treatments, and resources to ensure your child’s eyes stay healthy. So, as you get ready for another month of spring sports and outdoor activities, make sure your child’s eye health is at the top of your list!For more information on myopia management or to schedule a consultation, visitTreehouse Eyes.Let’s work together to protect your child’s vision and encourage healthy outdoor play!















More Sunshine, Less Screen Time: Protecting Your Child’s Sight This Spring Break!

More Sunshine, Less Screen Time: Protecting Your Child’s Sight This Spring Break!

Grand Eye Care
2025-03-11
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, spring offers the perfect opportunity to get kids outside. But did you know that outdoor play isn’t just great for their physical and mental health— it can also help protect their vision? Research shows that increased time outdoors can slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, reducing the risk of more serious eye diseases later in life.


The Link Between Outdoor Time and Myopia Prevention

Childhood myopia rates are reaching epidemic levels, with more children developing nearsightedness at an earlier age. Experts believe that excessive screen time and prolonged near-work activities (like reading and using digital devices) contribute to its rise. However, spending more time outdoors can help slow myopia progression, and here’s why:Increased Exposure to Natural LightSunlight plays a crucial role in eye health. Studies suggest that natural light helps regulate eye growth, reducing the risk of excessive elongation of the eyeball—a key factor in myopia development. The more time kids spend outside, the more they benefit from this natural protection.Reduced Eye Strain from Close-Up WorkPlaying outside encourages children to focus on distant objects (playing tennis, flying a kite, playing tag, etc), giving their eyes a break from prolonged near-work activities like reading or using a tablet. This reduces strain and helps maintain better eye health.Encouraging a More Active LifestyleOutdoor play promotes physical activity, which is essential for overall well-being. A healthier lifestyle is linked to better eye health, and staying active, especially outdoors, reduces the time spent on screens.


How Much Outdoor Time Is Enough?

Experts recommend at least two hours of outdoor play per day to help reduce the risk of myopia progression. Here are some ideas to get started:
  • Playing at the park
  • Riding bikes or scooters
  • Going on nature walks
  • Engaging in outdoor sports

Make Spring a Season for Healthy Vision!

This spring, take advantage of the beautiful weather to encourage more outdoor play. Not only will your child have fun, but they’ll also be taking an important step toward protecting their vision for the future.Concerned about your child's risk for myopia? Schedule a FREE virtual consultation with Treehouse Eyes today—click here to learn more!



Low Vision Awareness Month: Protect Your Child’s Vision

Low Vision Awareness Month: Protect Your Child’s Vision

Grand Eye Care
2025-02-04
February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to highlight vision impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) can lead to severe vision problems later in life if left untreated.


Why Childhood Myopia Matters:

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing blurred distance vision. If unmanaged, it increases the risk of the following eye diseases later in life.
  • Myopic Maculopathy: a serious eye condition where severe nearsightedness (high myopia) damages the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision. As the eye stretches, it can cause thinning, scarring, or bleeding, leading to blurry vision, blind spots, or even permanent vision loss if untreated.
  • Retinal Detachment: occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, causing blurry vision, flashes of light, or floaters. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Severe nearsightedness (high myopia) increases the risk.
  • Glaucoma: a condition that damages the nerve at the back of the eye, often due to high eye pressure, leading to vision loss over time.
  • Cataracts: occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making vision blurry or foggy.

How to Protect Your Child’s Eyes:

👀 Schedule regular eye exams for early detection🌿 Encourage outdoor play to slow progression📱 Limit screen time and reduce eye strain
At Treehouse Eyes, we specialize in non-invasive myopia treatments, including customized contact lenses and prescription eye drops. In Treehouse Eyes’ 2022 CAMP study, a retrospective analysis of 342 children in myopia treatment, 64% of children saw no additional axial elongation over a 3-year period.We encourage you to take action in protecting your child’s eye health. Begin by completing our FREE Myopia Assessment today to help ensure their vision stays healthy.






January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Protect Your Child’s Vision for Life!

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Protect Your Child’s Vision for Life!

Grand Eye Care
2025-01-29
Did you know that childhood myopia (blurry distance vision) can increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases like glaucoma later in life? Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. One of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, glaucoma can affect people of all ages, though it’s more common in older adults. What makes glaucoma especially concerning is that it often shows no symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people don’t realize they have it until significant vision loss has occurred.

Childhood myopia management plays a crucial role in preventing or slowing the progression of myopia, which can help reduce the risk of glaucoma and other serious eye diseases in the future. Early detection and intervention are key to managing myopia effectively, which in turn lowers the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss later in life.

At Treehouse Eyes, we specialize in childhood myopia management to ensure a lifetime of better vision. By detecting myopia early and taking action, we can help safeguard your child's vision for years to come.

During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a proactive step toward protecting your child’s eyes. Start by taking our FREE Myopia Assessment today and ensure they have healthy vision in the future.

Want to speak with our Virtual Myopia Educator? Click here to schedule a free consultation!

Let’s make healthier vision a priority—this month and beyond!



Gift of Sight Month: Myopia Management Tips for Your Child This Holiday Season

Gift of Sight Month: Myopia Management Tips for Your Child This Holiday Season

Grand Eye Care
2024-12-04
December is the season of giving, and what better gift to give your child than healthy vision? To celebrate Gift of Sight Month, Treehouse Eyes is sharing practical myopia management tips that can help protect your child’s eyesight now and for years to come. These "gifts" are simple steps that lead to lasting benefits for your child’s eye health. Here are five essential myopia management tips to safeguard your child’s vision this holiday season and beyond:

  1. The Gift of Outdoor Play
    
    Encourage your child to spend at least 1–2 hours outdoors daily. Research shows that exposure to natural light can help slow the progression of myopia. Activities like building a snowman, taking a walk, or playing outside provide a fun and effective way to support their eye health.

  2. The Gift of Balanced Screen Time
    
    With the rise of digital devices, children often spend too much time in front of screens, especially during the winter months. Set limits on screen time and promote regular breaks to reduce eye strain and allow their eyes to rest.

  3. The Gift of Healthy Eating
    
    A nutritious balanced diet benefits overall health—and eye health is no exception. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, are great for maintaining strong vision. Add carrots, leafy greens, and fishlike salmon to your child’s meals to support healthy eyes and prevent potential vision issues.

  4. The Gift of Quality Sleep
    
    Did you know that quality sleep can impact your child’s eyesight? Quality sleep helps the eyes recover from daily strain, which can prevent further myopia progression. School-aged children should aim for 9–11 hours of sleep per night to maintain optimal eye health.

  5. The Gift of Early Intervention
    
    One of the most important gifts you can offer your child is early detection of myopia. Routine eye exams are key to identifying myopia in its early stages. At Treehouse Eyes, our specialized consultations provide personalized solutions, including custom contact lenses, to effectively manage and slow the progression of myopia.
Bonus Gift: Free Virtual Consultation
This holiday season, Treehouse Eyes is offering free virtual myopia consultations as part of our Gift of Sight Month celebration. From the comfort of your home, you can learn more about your child’s vision and explore treatment options tailored to their needs. Give your child the gift of healthy eyes and a lifetime of clear vision. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward managing your child’s myopia with confidence.