Myopia management before the holidays: why summer is also a good time to check children's vision
When the school year comes to an end, many families naturally take stock: how the year has gone, whether their child has seemed more tired, whether reading has become harder or whether they have started moving too close to books, tablets or the television.
At that point, before the holidays begin and before the busier pace of September arrives, having their vision checked can be a very useful decision. Not only to see whether their prescription has changed, but also to understand how their visual system is working and whether it may be worth considering a myopia management programme.
At Ópticas Perea, in Torre del Mar, we approach myopia management from a professional, preventive and personalised perspective. Because when we talk about childhood myopia, we are not only talking about glasses: we are talking about follow-up, visual habits, technology and guidance for families.
Childhood myopia is not just “not seeing well in the distance”
At first, myopia is often perceived as something simple: the child cannot see the board clearly, squints or needs to move closer to distinguish details. However, in many cases it is not enough to update the prescription and simply move on.
When myopia appears at an early age, it is important to observe how it evolves. Every child has a different visual story: reading habits, time spent outdoors, screen use, family history and growth patterns can all influence how their vision changes over time.
That is why specialised organisations such as the International Myopia Institute stress the importance of assessing risk factors, communicating clearly with families and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
The goal is not to alarm families, but to anticipate. The sooner we understand a child’s visual situation, the better we can guide decisions and suggest a management plan adapted to their case.
Why check vision before the holidays?
June and the beginning of summer are a good time to carry out a children’s eye examination calmly. The school year has just ended, making it easier to detect signs that may have gone unnoticed during the year: tiredness when reading, difficulty concentrating, complaints of headaches or changes in the way a child studies.
The holidays also offer valuable time. If a prescription change is detected or follow-up is considered necessary, the family has more room to organise appointments, ask questions and prepare for the next school year without rushing.
At an age when vision is closely linked to learning, anticipating needs can make the difference between starting September with uncertainty or doing so with the reassurance that the essentials have been checked.
Signs worth observing at home
Children do not always know how to explain that they are not seeing well. Sometimes they express it in other ways: avoiding reading, becoming more distracted, sitting too close to a screen or saying they are tired without being able to identify why.
- They move very close to paper, tablets or the television.
- They squint to see things in the distance.
- They complain of visual tiredness or headaches at the end of the day.
- They lose interest in reading or writing activities.
- Their school performance has changed or they find it harder to stay focused.
- There is a family history of myopia.
These signs do not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but they do suggest that a check-up is worthwhile. In children’s visual health, the first step is often simply to observe more carefully.
Summer can also help improve visual habits
Summer changes routines. There is often more time outdoors, less schoolwork and a chance to balance screen use and near tasks more effectively. It is not about banning screens, but about organising visual habits in a healthier way.
Spending time outdoors, alternating near activities with breaks and avoiding long, uninterrupted screen sessions are simple steps that can help reduce daily visual demand. In children with myopia or at risk of developing it, these habits are part of a broader conversation that should be supported by professional examination and follow-up.
The key is not to see summer as a pause in visual care, but as an opportunity to look more calmly at how vision is developing.
How we approach myopia management at Ópticas Perea
At our new centre on Av. de Andalucía 81, dedicated exclusively to optics and eye care, we have spaces and equipment designed for complete visual assessments and precise follow-up for each case.
Myopia management is not about applying the same solution to every child. First, we assess vision, review the prescription, analyse visual habits and, when necessary, perform complementary tests such as ocular biometry or corneal topography to obtain more information about the eye’s characteristics and how myopia is evolving.
From there, we consider which strategy may make the most sense for each patient. Depending on the case, specific ophthalmic lenses for myopia management, contact lenses designed for this purpose or orthokeratology may be considered. The choice depends on age, prescription, progression, family routine and the child’s adaptation.
Most importantly, myopia management does not end when a solution is chosen. It requires follow-up, adjustments when needed and clear communication with the family so they understand what we are doing and why.
A service designed to guide, not to rush decisions
At Ópticas Perea, we understand children’s optometry through both professional judgement and close, human care. When it comes to children’s vision, families need clear information, time to ask questions and honest recommendations.
That is why our approach is not about promising results or oversimplifying a process that needs follow-up. It is about evaluating carefully, explaining clearly and supporting each decision with a professional and personalised perspective.
Myopia management is an investment in future visual health. And like any important form of care, it deserves time, method and trust.
Book a children’s eye examination before the holidays
If you have noticed changes in your child’s vision or want to check that everything is in order before summer, you can book an appointment at Ópticas Perea. We will welcome you at our new optical centre in Torre del Mar, with an assessment adapted to your child’s age and needs.
You can also find out more about our advanced optometry services on our website.