Summer Starts Now—But Myopia Progression Doesn’t Take a Vacation

As June rolls in and the school year winds down, families everywhere are gearing up for a season of sunshine, travel, and outdoor fun. But while summer is often seen as a break for kids, it's not a break for their vision health—especially when it comes to myopia, or nearsightedness.

June is also Child Vision Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for parents to learn how to protect their children's eyes, even during the laid-back days of summer.

What does the latest research tell us about childhood myopia?

A new 2025 study published in BMC Public Health offers fresh insights into myopia trends among children. The study looked at over 31,000 students aged 8 to 16 and found some significant patterns:

• Sharpest onset begins at age 6 and slows down by age 12.

• Girls had higher myopia prevalence (55%) than boys (47%).

• Rural children were less myopic than urban children, likely due to more outdoor play opportunities.

• Myopia progression was fastest during winter months, likely because of reduced exposure to natural light and more time spent indoors.

These findings confirm what eye care professionals have long observed: children’s vision changes rapidly in their early years—and without treatment, myopia can progress quickly.

Why does myopia progress faster in the winter?

You may be wondering: If it’s summer now, why worry about winter? Here's why it matters.

During the winter months, children often spend more time indoors doing close-up work, like reading or using screens. This gives them less exposure to natural daylight. This lack of outdoor light is a key environmental factor contributing to faster myopia progression.

Summer brings an opportunity to slow that progression, but only if we’re proactive about how children spend their time.

How can you make the most of your summer while supporting your child’s vision health?

Even though the high-risk winter months are behind us for now, summer is the ideal time to build habits that help protect your child’s eyes all year long.

Maximize Outdoor Time
Encourage your child to spend at least 90 to 120 minutes outdoors daily. Natural light has been shown to play a protective role in eye development.

Schedule a Myopia Screening
Don’t wait for back-to-school season when appointment books are filled up. Summer is a great time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, especially if your child hasn’t had one in the past year or is showing signs of vision issues (squinting, headaches, sitting close to screens).

Increase Exposure to Natural  Light
Sunlight 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.

Watch for Warning Signs
Pay attention to behaviors like sitting too close to the TV, frequent eye rubbing, or avoiding reading. These can be early indicators of vision problems—and early intervention is key.

Consider Pediatric Myopia Treatment
At Treehouse Eyes, we focus on evidence-based treatments that are proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. Our personalized plans go beyond glasses and contacts to address the root causes of your child’s myopia.

Why does awareness about myopia matter so much right now?
Child Vision Awareness Month is more than a reminder—it's a call to action. 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. The need for education, prevention, and early intervention has never been more urgent.

Let's Talk About Your Child’s Vision– Start The Conversation Today!

By taking action this summer, you’re giving your child a clearer future—both literally and figuratively.

Treehouse Eyes is here to help. Our team of pediatric vision experts provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized myopia management plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

📞 Schedule a FREE virtual consultation today at TreehouseEyes.com/VirtualConsult/ and take the first step in protecting your child’s sight—today and for years to come.