Vision Therapy in White Bear Lake

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(651) 426-2747

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.

Myopia Management in White Bear Lake

(651) 426-2747 Schedule Eye Exam

Our optometry practice in White Bear Lake

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Brian Grudem
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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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- Apr. 29, 2024
Everyone at this office is so friendly and fun! I had to bring my 3.5 month old and they made me fee... l so comfy doing that. Great experience. Got glasses back quick!
- Apr. 07, 2024
Very friendly and efficient staff and Doctor. Did not have to wait to get checked in and waited les... s than 5 mn to get into appointment. Doctor and staff took time to listen to my concerns. Everyone here is very professional and the offices are very nice and clean. Positive experience.
- Mar. 12, 2024
If you are looking for an eye clinic do check out Birch Lake Eye Clinic and Optical. Dr. Lucas is v... ery kind and knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things and all the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
- Feb. 21, 2024
My entire family came here for our eye care. The Dr and staff were very friendly, patient and consid... erate when it came to our different vision needs and the special care we all needed. We are very satisfied with the service and our glasses we received. Thank you for your professionalism, patience, kindness, curtesy, expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Your service was exceptional and I highly recommend your office to all my friends and family and to anyone looking for good service.
- Jan. 23, 2024
The clinic and staff are a blessing in my life and have turned a "have to do" chore into a "looking ... forward to going in" positive experience. It is wonderful to see them . . . in more ways than one!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Everyone was friendly, caring, and competent.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Professional, knowledgeable and excellent choice of frames.
- Dec. 30, 2023
Dr. Lucas are excellent . They are skilled, work well with their clients and are highly recommended... . I would recommend them to everyone.
- Dec. 29, 2023
As a new patient in serious need of an appointment the front desk staff of the Birch Lake Eye Clinic... worked quickly to find me an appointment as soon as possible. Dr Lucas and his assistant were great and very informative. I felt very at ease in this clinic and will return.
- Dec. 22, 2023
So much positive about your staff! I wish I knew all their names. My first contact was Mark on the... phone. So patient, kind and understanding. The receptionist was amazing. I think she could read my anxiety. The eye technician to the doctor simple the best. But they captured my heart when my temporary (trial lens) ripped the night before my flight to visit my daughter. I went into the clinic and most fabulous (so sorry I cannot remember her name) went the extra mile and got the lens I needed. From another location driven to me by an employee. She also researched my insurance policy and found coverage for a pair of glasses. Helped me pick out a frame. My anxiety was at a 10 plus. She was so calming and made me feel I was important. ❤️
- Dec. 17, 2023
Dr. Brad Schwantke is an amazing eye doctor. He’s kind and friendly and knowledgeable. He instantl... y put me at ease and answered all of my questions. He made going to the eye doctor very pleasant. I will definitely be back. As a nurse, I’ve met a lot of doctors, and he is in my top 10.
- Dec. 14, 2023
This place is the best! They genuinely care. They got me in immediately with my concerns of a floate... r and flashes of light in my right eye. The doctor was so kind and also extremely knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. Everyone there is so nice and also professional. I also got glasses there a few months ago and they're perfect! I highly recommend them!
- Dec. 14, 2023
Professional, knowledgeable courteous
- Dec. 08, 2023
Fast and informative customer service. Would highly recommend to anyone. Super friendly staff.
- Dec. 07, 2023
Always great personalized service and care from Dr. Schwanke.
- Nov. 26, 2023
Best eye place I have ever went to
- Oct. 30, 2023
Phenomenal team at every step! Well done!
- Oct. 26, 2023
Alice and Brad and the other staff were great. Seemed to care and were very professional but, also w... ere very down to earth friendly.
- Oct. 10, 2023
I had my first eye appointment in five years yesterday at Birch Lake Eye Clinic. I was looking for a... n eye clinic near White Bear Lake and picked this one because of the reviews plus I wanted to see a woman doctor. I really liked the clinic! All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Shae was the assistant through the initial tests - I really liked her and appreciated that she walked me through next steps as we went along. Dr. Deanna was really nice to me, talked through all of my symptoms/concerns, and never made me feel like she was rushing along to see the next patient. She was articulate and explained everything along the way. She seemed experienced and well educated. Everything I'm looking for when it comes to something as serious as my eyes! I walked out feeling relieved. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 08, 2023
The staff at BirchLake Eye Clinic are very friendly.

View All 408 Reviews

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 Birch Lake Eye Clinic today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(651) 426-2747