Myopia, also known as shortsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. A recent global study reveals that myopia already affects up to 35% of children worldwide. This figure is expected to rise to 40% by 2050. This means over 740 million children will be living with the condition by then. But what does this mean for your child’s eye health?
Myopia is more than just blurry vision. It’s important to understand that it can lead to serious eye health issues if left untreated. Diagnosing and managing myopia early can prevent long-term complications and protect your child’s sight for life.
WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia is a refractive error. This means that the eye doesn’t focus light properly. It makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. The condition often arises when the eyeball grows too long. This growth causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred vision at a distance, but nearby objects remain clear.
The key to managing this lies in controlling eye growth. Left unchecked, it can progress rapidly. This leads to more severe forms of shortsightedness. It increases the risk of irreversible eye damage later in life.
THE GLOBAL SURGE IN MYOPIA AMONG CHILDREN
Recent research has painted a worrisome picture of the increasing prevalence of myopia. A comprehensive review of global data analyzed over 5 million people across 50 countries. It found that nearly one in three children is already affected by this disease. This number is expected to continue rising. The study projects that by 2050, more than 50% of adolescents aged 13-19 will have myopia. They will be affected by severe forms, also known as “high myopia.”
The findings echo earlier studies, like one conducted in Australia, which predicted similar increases in myopia rates by 2050. The rising prevalence of this disease, including high myopia, underscores the urgent need for awareness and early intervention.
WHAT CAUSES MYOPIA?
Myopia is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. If parents have myopia, especially high myopia, their children are more to develop the condition. Nonetheless, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role.
One factor under scrutiny is the amount of time spent on screens. Children tend to hold devices closer to their faces, which can contribute to eye strain and increase the risk of developing this disease, . Reducing screen time may help slow the progression of the condition. But, in today’s digital age, this is often a difficult adjustment.
GREEN TIME OVER SCREEN TIME: A SOLUTION TO MYOPIA?
While screen time has been linked to the rise in myopia, another contributing factor is a lack of outdoor time. Studies suggest that spending more time outside—about one to two hours a day—may help reduce the onset of myopia. The intensity of sunlight outdoors promote the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a molecule that helps slow eye growth and prevent myopia.
Nonetheless, research indicates that once myopia develops, spending time outdoors has a more limited impact on preventing its progression. Despite this, encouraging the child to engage in outdoor activities remains beneficial for overall eye health.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MANAGE MYOPIA?
There are several effective methods to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This method uses special hard contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. Worn only at night, Ortho-K lenses are a convenient choice for children. Nevertheless, parents must ensure proper care to avoid eye infections.
- Atropine Eye Drops: These eye drops have been shown to effectively slow myopia progression with minimal side effects. They are a simple treatment option that doesn’t carry the risks associated with contact lenses.
THE RISKS OF HIGH MYOPIA
Myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Still, high myopia—severe shortsightedness—can lead to a host of serious eye conditions. These include:
- Retinal Detachment: A tear in the retina that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.
- Glaucoma: A condition where damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss over time.
- Myopic Maculopathy: The macula thins and stretches. This area is the central part of the retina. Thinning and stretching can cause degeneration and bleeding.
Children with high myopia are at an increased risk for these conditions, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Early detection and treatment are key to managing this eye issue and preventing its progression. Regular eye exams with an optometrist are essential for identifying myopia early. This is crucial because children may not notice their vision problems.
Signs that your child need an eye test include squinting to see distant objects. They might also have difficulty reading the board at school. Another sign is bringing objects closer to their face. If you notice any of these behaviors, scheduling an eye exam is a good first step.
An optometrist can provide personalized guidance on managing your child’s eye health. If myopia is diagnosed, they can suggest the best course of action. This may involve glasses, contact lenses, or treatments like Ortho-K or atropine drops.
