Vision Therapy in Gaithersburg

Does Myopia Run in Families?

(301) 869-4070

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
- Oct. 24, 2025
My family and I have been going to the Eye Center for years. I have been a patient of Dr Miller and... Dr Khan, they are great! The staff is very nice and professional. I appreciate the time and care the Eye Care Specialties Team give us, when selecting our eye ware. Lyons Family
- Aug. 12, 2025
Always a great experience. Dr. Gabriela and her team are great.
- Jun. 03, 2025
Great people! So helpful
- Nov. 25, 2024
My mother’s lens became loose and needed a quick repair. She is old and needed the help ASAP. Jami... e was super helpful and got it done in less than 5 minutes!
- Oct. 31, 2024
I started going here about 2 weeks ago and I've had a very good experience. It is very convenient fo... r me and everybody's been so nice. I got new glasses and we're figuring out which contact lenses are right for me now with trials as my eyes have gotten dry and I think we finally figured it out. Everyone has been professional and it's clean, nice, and it's been accommodating. Dr Samala Khan is very nice and patient. I recommend this place.
- Oct. 11, 2023
I am writing this too praise the care, kindness and professionalism I received today from Samala Kha... n, Stephanie, Izzy and Augusto! Absolutely the best experience ever at any medical appointment! I was so comfortable and relieved after having neglected my eyes for over eleven years! No need for that, just make an appointment and for sure you will be one hundred percent satisfied!
- Jun. 02, 2023
Staff was all very friendly and my appointment was quick. And a huge shout-out to STEPHANIE FIGUEROA... ! She helped me pick out my frames and was nothing short of perfection and professional. I will be HIGHLY recommending her and the rest of the staff!!
- Apr. 28, 2023
Great staff, great doctors! I have been a customer of Montgomery Village eye center for ages and eac... h time I go I leave happy and satisfied with the services my family has received. They feel like old friends and it’s always great to catch up!
- Dec. 12, 2022
First time patient and I had great experience on my visit. Staff was very knowledgeable and explaine... d everything in detail. Visit was for contacts fitting and annual exam.
- Nov. 01, 2022
This was absolutely one of the best eye clinics i've ever been too! I haven't been to an eye doctor ... in some 10 years. Not only did they make me feel welcome but they made me feel like family. From the kind receiptionist (who i didn't get her name sorry!) to the Doctor himself Adam Rubin and then my optician Jamie! Man oh man everyone was on their A GAME. Thanks so much for your help and kindness! Some goofy photos for your enjoyment!
- Oct. 23, 2022
I have seen many eye doctors in my life and never had the right prescriptions for my glasses. My rig... ht eye has different sight than my left. Dr Miller took her time checked my eyes and for the first time in my life I can see clearly. I am so glad to found this eye doctor. Last but not least, the workers from the front desk to the techs were very helpful and caring. It was my first time to come to this eye clinic I got lost and was late for my appointment after driving for 40 miles to get to their office. I was worried I will not be seen and will not have my eye exam. I called in a panic to ask them their location not only they guide me to their direction, I was able to see the doctor. As anyone can witness, it is rare to find people who are caring. These group of people are very unique. Thank you for being human.
- Jun. 01, 2022
This place is the best! I used to work right next to them before they changed locations but was neve... r seen as a patient. I got a really bad eye infection and was able to be seen the same day before a holiday weekend! the front office staff is extremely friendly and welcoming as well as Dr. Rubin! the doctor made me feel at ease as I was very frustrated and in pain. Love this office and will be coming back for any of my eye needs! Also looks like they have a great selection of frames here. definitely will be recommending to my family and friends!
- Apr. 29, 2022
Upon retirement my husband and I decided to try a new eye care facility closer to our current locati... on. After trying 3 other doctors, we are driving 2 hours, one way, to be able to get the fantastic service from Dr. Rubin and Dr. Miller. It's more than worth it.
- Feb. 10, 2021
Dr Miller is so wonderful and the staff there are absolute stars. Everyone is professional and super... friendly. I highly recommend.
- Aug. 19, 2020
Visited this eye Doctor for the Second year now, this place is full of profesional people that knows... everything about glasses, my whole family had short vision problems since ever, kids and hubby used regular and contacts lenses for many years, dr. Rubin is so detailed and patience with all of us, so profesional and gentle in the eyes checking process, plus friendly with kids. Mr. Rick is the most great adviser on which glasses are better on price, covered by your insurance, the ones on sale, and the ones that makes you look like a Hollywood Star, takes detailed mesures of your face, the wide the chin the eye distance and make your glasses fit perfect in your face, all my family and some friends I recommended are so happy with this place, also they have the most updated eye glasses collection of your choice, I recommend this eye doctor 100% for you to have the best experience on getting your vision working perfect. SPANISH Visité a este oftalmólogo por segundo año ahora, este lugar está lleno de gente profesional que sabe todo sobre anteojos, toda mi familia ha tenido problemas de visión corta desde siempre, los niños y mi esposo usaron lentes regulares y de contacto durante muchos años, el Dr. Rubin es tan detallista y paciente con todos nosotros, tan profesional y amable en el proceso de verificación de ojos, además de amigable con los niños. El Sr. Rick es el mejor asesor sobre qué anteojos son mejores en precio, cubiertos por su seguro, los que están en oferta y los que lo hacen parecer una estrella de Hollywood, toma medidas detalladas de su rostro, el ancho de la barbilla el distancia de los ojos y haz que tus anteojos se ajusten perfectamente a tu cara, toda mi familia y algunos amigos que recomendé están muy contentos con este lugar, además tienen la colección de anteojos más actualizada de tu elección, recomiendo este oculista 100% tenga la mejor experiencia para lograr que su visión funcione a la perfección.
- Feb. 19, 2020
Been going to Montgomery County Eye Care for a few years and Dr. Rubin & the staff have been great. ... Dr. Rubin listens to your concerns and advises accordingly. Would definitely recommend Montgomery County Eye Care to everyone.
- Jan. 22, 2020
I've been here with my brothers since I was a kid. They moved and I couldnt find them anymore. After... all these years I finally found them! The experience is still great like before (mind you...this is like 11 years later) and the staff are amazing and sweet. Eager to help you with your situation! I love that they give you temporary lenses til your contacts arrive. I love it! Literally the best place ever and worth every penny 👍
- Mar. 13, 2019
Great staff, doctor was very thorough during examination. I will never go anywhere else!
- Nov. 30, 2018
I didnt have an appointment and thought I would stop in to inquire about my warrenty. Nicole helped ... me replace my frame under warrenty in minutes! Nice people and quick service.
- May. 18, 2018
This is one of the best in montgomery village!!very friendly!

View All 65 Reviews

Myopia Management in Gaithersburg

Our optometry practice in Gaithersburg

Photograph of Gabriela Miller
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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 Montgomery Village Eye Center today to explore your options and ensure a clear, bright future for your child.

(301) 869-4070