Vision Therapy in St. Augustine

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(904) 824-0212

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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312 Reviews
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- Mar. 09, 2026
Doctors and staff are friendly and professional!
- Mar. 07, 2026
I am always extremely impressed with Dr Brown’s knowledge and professionalism
- Feb. 26, 2026
These folks are great! Always welcoming and happy.
- Feb. 25, 2026
Super helpful and kind staff! Allll of them!
- Feb. 24, 2026
Thank you very much to Dr. Sierra Mattox for her approach to treatment, for helping us choose the ri... ght treatment, a very attentive specialist who pays attention to everything
- Feb. 15, 2026
Very friendly and helpful
- Feb. 13, 2026
Very professional and thorough
- Feb. 04, 2026
You can rest assured your eyesight will be given the best care possible to achieve results you can t... rust. Time & attention is taken to you & your eyesight to give you that assurance.
- Feb. 04, 2026
Dr. Brown is so patient and kind and knows how to talk to kids! She always makes my kids feel heard ... and gives them opportunities to explore while answering all their questions. I cannot say enough about our experience with her!
- Jan. 30, 2026
Best service great staff and they are so friendly and professional, always a pleasure to be there.
- Jan. 14, 2026
Excellent provider! Professional, efficient, organized and personable staff; nice selection of frame... s; love Dr Mattox!
- Dec. 30, 2025
Love Dr. Maddox & Staff at Rowe Family Eyecare! Very organized and professional group. My new glasse... s were made quickly and they are perfect! Thank you!
- Dec. 19, 2025
Excellent practice, Aewsome staff, Excellent doctors!!
- Nov. 28, 2025
The front desk staff at Rowe Family EyeCare is kind and welcoming. The optician is friendly and thor... ough. Dr. Sierra Mattox takes her time during exams and thoroughly answers any questions you have. Please keep your business model and training of staff the same; it is greatly appreciated by your patients.
- Nov. 10, 2025
Dr. Linda Kindsvatter, Nick and Jennifer were incredibly supportive and very professional. I highly ... recommend this practice and their services. Special thanks to Jennifer for exceeding my expectations with unparalleled service.
- Nov. 07, 2025
very thorough and professional experience
- Oct. 16, 2025
Dr. Maddox is the best eye Doctor I have visited. She helped me greatly with my issue. I was nervous... and she made me feel at peace. Front desk personnel was professional and helpful.
- Sep. 30, 2025
This is THE place for eye care. The staff are warm and exceptionally knowledgeable. One even found ... an insurance benefits I did not know I had! As a FAA certified pilot, accuracy takes on a much importance for me. Prescriptions are always accurate. Their processes are quick without feeling rushed. As I worked through the exam, the tech and doctor seemed to enjoy my questions about my eyes and the processes. Have been telling my friends for years about this wonderful local service.
- Sep. 15, 2025
I travel two hours for my daughter to be seen here, and it is worth it. I cannot recommend this offi... ce more. Dr. Brown is an excellent doctor & great with kids. She picked up on my 6-year-olds vision problems that were dismissed by her optometrist at UF. Vision therapy here with Ms. Kathy has been simply life-changing for my girl. She sees better, reads better and is improving coordination. I tell everyone to give this place a try if they or their children have vision difficulties.
- Sep. 09, 2025
Great staff and service! Very clean and friendly environment.

View All 312 Reviews

Myopia Management in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

Photograph of Austin Taylor
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

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 Rowe Family EyeCare today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(904) 824-0212