Vision Therapy in Evanston

Does Myopia Run in Families?

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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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- Jan. 17, 2025
10/10 experience from start to finish. I had my initial exam, dilation, picked out glasses, and had ... a final exam all within an hour. Every person I interacted with was kind and very professional. I also get the feeling that they are happy to support the patient with whatever they’re looking for and they’re not pushing a sales quota or agenda. I came here because of the Google rating and it was definitely the right choice. The vibe of the space is friendly, open, with good music and a happy staff.
- Dec. 16, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness is a friendly and thorough service. They take the time needed to assess your ... needs and provide timely deliveries. They also manage an intricate sliding scale for those of us whose finances are in the “more limited” category.
- Dec. 12, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness provides exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly and Dr. Patel is ... very knowledgeable. She provides various options to help optimize eye wellness. I highly recommend!
- Nov. 22, 2024
I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Patel during my recent eye exam. From the moment I walked i... nto the office, I was impressed with the welcoming atmosphere and the professionalism of the entire team. Dr. Patel takes the time to explain every part of the examination process in detail and I felt very comfortable at the end of my visit. It was her holistic approach that really impressed me. She cares about the entire health of your body and not just your eyes. It was clear that she genuinely cares about her patients' well-being. I highly recommend Dr. Patel to anyone in need of a highly skilled, caring, and thorough optometrist.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness was great! Everyone is super friendly and seemed to genuinely care about my vi... sit.
- Oct. 03, 2024
Really nice place with a good upscale selection of frames. Dr Patel was excellent. Thorough and prof... essional. And Kisha really helped choosing frames and getting us the best price. So glad we chose this optician.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Staff were so kind and informative.
- Jul. 29, 2024
They prioritize taking care of your eyes before trying to sell you glasses. They have a reasonable s... election of eye wear but it is not the first thing that you see when you enter the establishment.
- Jul. 29, 2024
I really enjoyed being a patient of Dr. LaBrosse for the past few years. I wish her all the best in... her new endeavors! I am usually very anxious about trying new doctors. But I decided to try an appointment with Dr. Patel since at least the location would be familiar. I am very glad I did. She is practicing in the same beautiful and clean office. Dr. Patel was very detailed and patient with all my questions. She had studied my medical records left by Dr. LaBrosse so the transition as her new patient was quite seamless. (I did have to complete a new patient intake form. But that was fine.) I was very relieved that she was so kind and easy to talk to. I felt listened to and had as much time as I needed. Dr. Patel gave me knowledgeable answers and some great new ideas, including a different brand/type of contact lens to try. Thanks, Dr. Patel!
- May. 16, 2024
Dr. Patel and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Most importantly, they are competent. Han... dled all questions and issues well. I also appreciated that they don't try to upsell services, unlike my previous eye doctor, who was obsessed with telling me I needed this or that extra diagnostic or treatment. Most importantly, Dr. Patel was the first optometrist I had who advised me that I could get "medically necessary" contact lenses covered by my insurance due to my high prescription. I can't believe my previous optometrist didn't do this. I could have saved thousands of dollars over the past several years.
- Apr. 18, 2024
Shout out to this place and everyone who works here. The new doctor is amazing and the ladies at the... front office are super nice and helpful! Highly recommended!
- Apr. 18, 2024
I have been going to this neighborhood Optometry practice for over 4 years now and I have always lik... ed the service and product choices. I like the previous doctor a lot, and the newest doctor Patel is great as well. Everyone at the store is nice and helpful, and they all appear to enjoy working there. I highly recommend!
- Mar. 28, 2024
Evanston Eye Wellness is a vibe
- Mar. 25, 2024
Dr. Patel is amazing and answered all my questions thoroughly!! The staff was very helpful and they ... had a great selection of frames. Will definitely be coming back.
- Mar. 22, 2024
I had a great experience with Dr.Patel. She is kind, understanding and goes out of her way to answer... all my questions. I would highly recommend her and this practice.
- Mar. 20, 2024
They make a darn good first impression - every staff member I spoke with was welcoming and helpful, ... ensuring I understood everything in the paperwork before signing. Dr. Patel put me at ease right away and offered clear explanations of my results.
- Mar. 16, 2024
Came in with my wife to look around as we are new to the area and let me tell you! The energy I rece... ived was so welcoming. I found a handful of frames I love, and the manager, Jessica, sealed the deal. You have to go yourself to experience it. I would highly recommend this place.
- Mar. 16, 2024
I absolutely love the professional service and selection of eyewear. The staff create a fun and frie... ndly atmosphere. I was recommended by a friend and will be calling to schedule my annual exam
- Mar. 15, 2024
Dr Patel is amazing and the staff really took the time to explain my benefits. Crystal was very pati... ent in selecting frames. I will definitely be returning.
- Mar. 15, 2024
Dr Patel is so thoughtful and kind. She really cares about my eye issues and answers all my question... s- no matter how ridiculous they are. The staff is very helpful and friendly.

View All 161 Reviews

Myopia Management in Evanston

(847) 859-6877

Our optometry practice in Evanston

Meet our Eye Doctor

Photograph of Himanee Patel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Care

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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 Evanston Eye Wellness today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(847) 859-6877

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