IT’S CRUCIAL TO CONTROL PROGRESSIVE MYOPIA

Myopia, or shortsightedness, is the ability to see clearly close up, but distance vision is fuzzy or blurred. It is one of the most common eye disorders in the world, affecting children and adults alike.

There is a growing concern that the incidence of myopia is increasing rapidly and continuing to progress, posing a threat to the future visual health of children. It has been estimated that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will be shortsighted. While mild myopia typically does not increase a person’s risk for other eye problems, moderate and high myopia can have serious effects on vision. In the near term, difficulties seeing clearly can impact aspects of a child's life including learning, sports, arts and even behaviour. Left uncorrected, progressive myopia poses longer term vision threatening risks.

What are the risks of progressive myopia in children?

Left undetected or uncorrected, the biggest risk is the quality of future vision, as progressive myopia presents increased risks for vision threatening conditions at ever younger ages. Earlier myopia onset can lead to a faster rate of progression and a higher degree of myopia, as well as earlier onset of eye diseases typically associated with adults. These include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachment. High myopia reduces the possibility of being a candidate for refractive surgeries such as LASIK® and increases the risk for complications from these treatments.

Why is progressive myopia in children increasing?

While there is no specific cause, genetics seems to be a contributing factor, and research has found a number of other factors linked to this increase. One study reported that children enrolled in academically rigorous and demanding schools has a role to play. Screen time has increased dramatically as children are involved with technology more frequently and over prolonged periods of time. Handheld devices are used closer to the eyes. Coupled with this, time spent outdoors has decreased, reducing the benefit of outdoor light and opportunities for the eyes to change focus from near to distance vision.

Can progressive myopia be treated?

Many eye conditions are controllable or even curable when diagnosed early, and progressive myopia is one of them. A number of treatments have been found to be effective. Certain spectacle lenses and contact lenses have been designed to slow down and sometimes stop the rapid progression of myopia.

What can parents do?

There are many things parents can do to help minimise or even eliminate the risks of progressive myopia in their children. Perhaps the single most important action to take is to schedule regular eye examinations so that your optometrist can monitor and manage any vision changes that occur.

Be alert to signs of changes in your child’s visual behaviour. Is he squinting or tilting his head to see clearly? Does he become tired quickly when reading or doing activities close up? Does he hold reading material too close to his eyes or sit too close to the TV? Does he complain of headaches or sore eyes? Speak to his teacher about his vision needs in the classroom and find out if he is able to see the board or other learning material clearly from the back of the room.

Studies show that outdoor light exposure stimulates the release of dopamine which delays the onset of myopia and may slow progression. Playing outdoors stimulates the eye muscles as the eyes need to accommodate the constant change of focus from near to far. Encourage your child to spend time outdoors and help him to balance indoor and outdoor activities.

Schedule screen time in terms of frequency of use, time of use and length of use. Include your child in a discussion on how to plan this so that he can take responsibility, with parental guidance, for carrying it out.

Help your child to develop good visual habits, including reading and doing close tasks in adequate light, watching TV from a reasonable distance and taking frequent breaks from visual activities. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes look 20 feet ahead for 20 seconds.

With 80% of learning occurring through the eyes, ensure that your child has the best possible opportunities for optimal visual development in the classroom, on the sports field and in all his daily activities.