Myopia, a common vision problem affecting a significant portion of children worldwide, is on the rise. Recent studies have shown that up to 35% of children already have myopia, and this number is expected to increase to 40% by 2050, affecting more than 740 million children. But why does this matter? Untreated myopia can lead to serious and irreversible eye conditions. In this article, we will explore how myopia develops, the role of screen time, and what parents can do to protect their child's eye health.

Protect Your Child's Vision - Uncover the Truth About Myopia

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is longer than average, causing light to be focused improperly on the retina. Controlling eye growth is crucial in achieving normal vision. Myopia is a widespread issue, affecting millions of children globally.Studies have shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of myopia. If parents have myopia, their children are more likely to develop it as well. Environmental factors also contribute, with excessive screen time being a major culprit. Prolonged focusing at short range can lead to the rapid progression of myopia.

Myopia is on the Rise in Children

A recent study analyzed 276 studies involving 5.4 million children between the ages of 5-19 from 50 countries across six continents. The data revealed that up to one in three children already have myopia, and this trend is expected to continue. Adolescents are particularly at risk, with more than 50% of those aged 13-19 predicted to have myopia by 2050. This is similar to a previous Australian study from 2015, which predicted a similar increase in myopia rates.The new review provides the most comprehensive look at how childhood myopia is progressing worldwide, including the rise in "high myopia" or severe shortsightedness.

What Causes Myopia?

Genetics play a part in the development of myopia, as children of myopic parents are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors also contribute, with excessive screen time being a significant one. As screens have become smaller, we tend to hold them closer, leading to prolonged focusing at short range. This can accelerate the development of myopia.However, spending time outdoors may have a beneficial effect on myopia. Studies have shown that increasing outdoor time by one to two hours per day can reduce the onset of myopia over a two to three-year period. The exact mechanism is still unclear, but it may be related to the release of dopamine in response to sunlight, which can slow eye growth.

What Can We Do About It?

Research in myopia control is advancing rapidly. In addition to glasses, optometrists have a range of tools to slow eye growth and prevent myopia progression. Orthokeratology uses hard contact lenses to temporarily reshape the eye, providing clear vision while sleeping. Atropine eyedrops have also been shown to be effective in slowing myopia progression, with minimal side effects and no risk of infection.Parents play a crucial role in monitoring their child's eye health. Regular eye tests with an optometrist are the best way to detect and treat myopia early. Signs that a child may need an eye test include squinting to see distant objects or moving objects closer to see clearly. An optometrist can help develop a tailored plan to manage myopia and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

What are the Risks with Myopia?

Myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but "high myopia" poses a higher risk of developing other eye conditions. These include retinal detachment, where the retina tears and peels away from the eye; glaucoma, where nerve cells in the retina and optic nerve are damaged; and myopic maculopathy, where the longer eyeball causes the macula to stretch and thin, leading to tissue degeneration and bleeding.It is important to diagnose and treat myopia early to prevent these complications and protect a child's vision.