I can still recall the moment the school nurse informed me that I needed glasses in fifth grade. During her routine vision and scoliosis checks, I was singled out. She handed me a fluorescent yellow slip to take home to my mom, which felt like a life sentence—no one in my class wore glasses at the time. They were seen as something to be embarrassed about. Walking through the hallways with that telltale paper was mortifying.
The day I got my glasses and the right prescription was transformative. I vividly remember the moment I saw the individual leaves on trees for the first time; before that, they had just appeared as blurry green blobs. I was diagnosed with “near-sightedness,” or myopia.
Contrary to my childhood belief that glasses were rare, myopia is actually prevalent. Approximately 50% of the population is affected, and this figure could be climbing. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that research indicates myopia is becoming increasingly common among children.
To shed light on this issue, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, Optometric Director at Vision Health Services, to help parents understand myopia in children.
What is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye is elongated from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Children with myopia may squint, rub their eyes, or complain about their vision being unclear. The AAO advises parents to look for these signs since children often adjust to their vision changes and may not voice their concerns. (For instance, they might not realize they should be able to see the leaves on trees clearly.)
If left untreated, myopia can lead to more serious eye problems later on, including glaucoma and cataracts.
Is Myopia on the Rise in Kids?
Both the AAO and Dr. Carter confirm that myopia is indeed on the rise among children, although the reasons remain somewhat unclear. Current lifestyle trends are likely contributing factors. Research suggests that children who spend more time indoors engaging in near-focused activities like computer use, video games, and reading tend to have higher rates of myopia compared to those who spend more time outdoors. The pandemic, which confined children indoors and increased screen time for education and socializing, may have exacerbated this trend. The AAO has noted a potential increase in new myopia cases since the pandemic began, with existing cases worsening at an alarming rate.
Dr. Carter also points out that certain types of light exposure and genetic factors might accelerate eye elongation.
How to Treat Myopia?
The good news is that myopia is easily treatable, though it cannot be reversed. It can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or even surgery. Early detection is crucial, as many eye conditions can be modified or their severity reduced if caught early. Dr. Carter emphasizes that proactive treatment can help manage and slow the progression of myopia.
Parents should schedule annual eye exams for their children, starting with a visit to the pediatrician. If myopia or another condition is identified, following up with a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist is essential.
To slow myopia’s progression, parents should encourage their kids to take breaks from screens and spend more time outdoors. This can be challenging in today’s world, with ongoing COVID-19 variants, air quality issues from wildfires, and sweltering heat waves.
In a related article by Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Stevens, he suggests practical steps for optimizing children’s eye health:
- Encourage the use of larger screens positioned further away from the eyes.
- Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every twenty minutes, have your child look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds.
- Aim for at least an hour of outdoor time to allow kids to focus on different distances.
While wearing glasses no longer carries the stigma it once did, protecting children’s eye health remains paramount. Clear vision is vital for their overall well-being and educational success.
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Summary
As near-sightedness becomes more prevalent among children, understanding its causes, treatments, and preventive measures is crucial. The rise in myopia correlates with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity, especially exacerbated by the pandemic. Regular eye exams and proactive measures can significantly impact children’s eye health and overall quality of life.