Childhood Myopia Is in Crisis Mode on a Global Scale
When it comes to the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness), the statistics are staggering. By 2050, nearly half of the world's population — about 5 billion people — will be myopic. Here are a few useful tips to help prevent your child from being part of that statistic.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye elongates, causing light rays to focus in front of the light-sensitive retina rather than directly on it. People with nearsightedness perceive distant objects as blurred while close-up objects can remain clear. Myopia tends to develop during childhood, mainly between the ages of 8-18. It can worsen slowly or quickly, and people with progressive myopia are more likely to develop serious eye diseases like cataracts, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma later in life.
Signs Your Child May Be Myopic
- Blurred distance vision — kids may complain they can't see the board at school
- Headaches — uncorrected myopia can cause eye strain and headaches
- Head tilting or squinting when watching TV or looking at distant objects
- Looking at objects too closely — moving closer to the TV or squinting
What Parents Can Do to Slow Myopia Progression
- Encourage at least 90 minutes of outdoor play per day, preferably in the sunshine. Studies show that playing outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.
- Limit the amount of time your child spends staring at a screen, reading, and doing close work such as homework.
- Teach the 20-20-20 rule: during screen time, take a break every 20 minutes to look at an object about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
How We Can Help
Certain eye doctors offer myopia control treatments, including orthokeratology, bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and eye drops like low-dose atropine. If your child shows signs of myopia, schedule an eye exam with St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville as soon as possible. Call (740) 695-0444.