Vision Therapy in South Lake Union

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(206) 420-7366

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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249 Reviews
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- Jul. 01, 2025
Highly recommend for professional, state of the art eye exam with very friendly staff and in a great... location
- Jun. 19, 2025
Great experience
- Jun. 16, 2025
My experience there was wonderful, all the staff are very friendly and helpful. Dr. Sean Toreby is v... ery professional! Also, very high quality and many models of designer eyeglass frames. I will never change them! Kudos!!! 👍
- May. 27, 2025
Love it here! Everyone is so friendly
- Apr. 18, 2025
Fabulous location, staff, doctor and service.
- Apr. 09, 2025
Excellent service and care. Highly recommended.
- Mar. 13, 2025
Super knowledgeable, thorough, warm, and cost conscious. Also knows about Ehlers's Danlos syndrome, ... I would highly recommend Dr. Yu!
- Mar. 13, 2025
I had a great experience at Urban Optix. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and Dr. Yu was knowle... dgeable and very professional - highly recommend!
- Feb. 19, 2025
I had a great experience here. Nice office with updated equipment. Dr. Yu and staff were friendly an... d easy to talk to and they have an awesome selection of glasses.
- Jan. 24, 2025
Everyone at urban optics in South Lake Union is so professional and kind. I have a wonderful experie... nce and look forward to my next visit.
- Dec. 19, 2024
Dr Annie Yu, Arishma, and Jerome were all super friendly and helpful! Best eye doctor and clinic exp... erience I've ever had.
- Dec. 18, 2024
Friendly staff, clean office and great atmosphere. Dr. Thoreby is very Knowledgeable.
- Dec. 12, 2024
Everyone was very nice and helpful!
- Dec. 06, 2024
Great staff and Dr. Yu was awesome. Also a really nice selection of frames to choose from. I will be... back.
- Nov. 27, 2024
Friendly knowledgeable staff and the latest technology for testing eye health and vision. Highly rec... ommend! Conveniently situated in downtown Seattle, too.
- Nov. 01, 2024
Easy, friendly and helpful. Nice selection of frames. Opticians did a great job of explaining my ins... urance options.
- Oct. 31, 2024
I was blown away by how awesome the folks at Urban Optix were. Dr. Yu and here staff were all friend... ly and knowledgeable and my eye exam was a breeze from beginning to end. As someone who has worn glasses for 30+ years I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
- Oct. 31, 2024
The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. The office is very modern and clean. Dr Lee is very c... ool and down to earth. She makes visiting the eye doctor easy. Have never had issues finding street parking in the area. There are some great neighboring spots to eat and drink.
- Oct. 30, 2024
Friendliest staff!
- Sep. 12, 2024
Everyone in the office was friendly, professional and helpful. I also appreciated that most everyone... was masked, making me feel like they cared about the health of their clients.

View All 249 Reviews

Myopia Management in South Lake Union

Our optometry practice in South Lake Union

Photograph of Sean Thoreby
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • First Choice Health

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 Urban Optix today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(206) 420-7366