Myopia Control for Bakersfield Children: What Parents Should Know About Lenses, Lifestyle, Outdoor Time

Sep 26, 2025

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Across the country, childhood myopia — or nearsightedness — is becoming more common, and Bakersfield is no exception. Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, often leading to stronger glasses prescriptions year after year. Beyond the inconvenience of thicker lenses, progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

The good news is that myopia control treatments can help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. For Bakersfield parents, understanding the available options and local lifestyle factors is an important step in protecting their child’s vision.

Why Myopia Is Increasing

Several factors contribute to rising myopia rates, including:

More screen time and close-up work (computers, tablets, phones)
Less outdoor playtime in natural daylight
Family history of nearsightedness

For children in Bakersfield, long hours of school and digital learning may add to the risk.

Myopia Control Options

At Li & Liao Optometry, we offer scientifically backed methods to help slow myopia progression:

Specialty Contact Lenses

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.
Multifocal Contact Lenses: Worn during the day, these lenses reduce eye strain and help slow myopia progression.

Specialized Glasses Lenses

Some prescription lenses are designed with treatment zones that redirect how light enters the eye, helping slow myopia development.

Lifestyle Recommendations

No treatment works alone — lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. That’s where Bakersfield’s outdoor opportunities come in.

The Role of Outdoor Time in Bakersfield

Research shows that spending at least 2 hours a day outdoors in natural light can significantly reduce the risk of myopia progression. Bakersfield families are fortunate to have access to parks, trails, and plenty of sunshine throughout much of the year.

Local favorites for outdoor time include:

The Park at River Walk — a great spot for family walks or playtime
Hart Park — ideal for picnics, fishing, or hiking
Neighborhood playgrounds — perfect for after-school play
Sports fields and bike paths — opportunities for kids to stay active in the sun

Encouraging children to play outside, even in small increments throughout the day, can help balance out the hours they spend indoors on homework or screens.

Tips for Bakersfield Parents

Build daily outdoor time: Aim for at least 2 hours in natural daylight when weather allows.
Set screen-time boundaries: Encourage breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Promote healthy visual habits: Encourage reading and device use at a proper distance — not too close to the face.
Schedule regular eye exams: Myopia control requires consistent monitoring to adjust treatments and track progress.

Partnering with Li & Liao Optometry

At Li & Liao Optometry, we specialize in pediatric care and offer personalized myopia control programs for Bakersfield children. Our team works with parents to create a plan that combines treatment lenses, healthy habits, and regular monitoring to protect children’s long-term vision.

If your child is struggling with nearsightedness, or you want to learn more about myopia control, schedule an appointment with Li & Liao Optometry today. Together, we can help your child see clearly now and safeguard their eye health for the future.