Vision Therapy in Durham

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(860) 349-2323

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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60 Reviews
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- Aug. 16, 2025
The office seems have the latest technology making your experience more thorough while putting you a... t ease. The staff is pleasant and engaging.
- Aug. 12, 2025
Kind and professional
- Aug. 08, 2025
Wonderful crew of people. From the front desk up to the Doctors, they are all friendly and profissio... nal. I've been with them for many years, they treated my emergencies seriously and were able to diagnose my uvitis quickly and refer me in a timely manner for treatment. I'm thankful to them for my back to healthy vision.
- Jul. 20, 2025
Durham Family Eye Care has an extremely courteous, professional and knowledgeable staff. Dr. Sites i... s the consummate professional, which is why our family travels 45 minutes to go to Durham Family Eye Care for all of our Eye care needs. Keep up the good work !!!
- Jun. 08, 2025
Great experience with Dr. Sites. She is very knowledgeable.
- Apr. 28, 2025
I can not say enough about this practice. They go above and beyond to help you with whatever they ca... n, from calling with an emergency and getting me in same day as a New patient no less!!.. to helping me get through the next couple months of contacts after realizing I called super late for my annual. Emily was whoi worked with and is just incredible! I’m beyond grateful for their help and understanding!
- Apr. 26, 2025
Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable
- Mar. 14, 2025
Very nice fast through appointment
- Feb. 28, 2025
Clinically very progressive, adapting evolving technology and the staff was very friendly and follow... ed up to ensure complete satisfaction . A local treasure for our town.
- Feb. 20, 2025
It's been a Great Experience finding Durham Fsmily Eye Care. The staff are friendly and Very Profess... ional. I dealt with Sue in person.They even bothered to follow-up with me afterwards to see how I was doing with my new glasses. That's a first for me ever since i've been wearing glasses at 30 years old, trust me it was a long time ago. This Vision Center is a Keeper in my book.
- Feb. 14, 2025
Very professional practice with Dr Sites and Dr Arnista Office staff is friendly and accommodating t... o the patients. Would highly recommend this eye care practice. Prices are reasonable and staff works with insurance to provide best results.
- Feb. 11, 2025
Clean office, professional and efficient staff and thorough doctor.
- Feb. 07, 2025
Been using Durham Family Eye Care since they opened in another location (20 years?) and they're awes... ome!
- Jan. 29, 2025
Friendly, professional, and Dr. Sites not only listens, but she hears you. And that's "outta site"!
- Jan. 27, 2025
Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable
- Jan. 14, 2025
Office staff is courteous and friendly. They always put you at ease and relaxed. My glasses and con... tacts purchases are always in when they say they will be there.
- Dec. 05, 2024
This office team is always prompt, knowledgeable, and courteous.Dr.Sites explains things well and ta... kes the time to answers any questions I have. Excellent experience, I feel that I am in good hands with Dr. Sites and her team.
- Nov. 11, 2024
Very happy with the whole office. Very sensitive to people with severe eye phobias. I absolutely lov... e my glasses, if I'd known it would be this easy and pleasant I would have gotten them almost 30 years ago when I was first told I needed them, I can see so clearly now. If you're looking for an eye doctor or need glasses, I can't recommend them enough
- Oct. 18, 2024
My first time. Great experience with eye exam with Dr. Arnista. Kalli in the "eye-glass shop" area w... as also excellent. Overall, excellent experience.
- Sep. 18, 2024
The office is easy to work with and the staff is always polite and professional.

View All 60 Reviews

Myopia Management in Durham

Our optometry practice in Durham

Photograph of Frances Sites
Hours
  • Monday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Anthem
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue View Vision
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • FEP Blue Vision
  • Guardian
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • MetLife
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Optum
  • Oxford
  • Premier Eye Care
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • WellCare

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 Durham Family Eye Care today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(860) 349-2323