Did you know that Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common in children globally?
Rising Prevalence
Researchers are finding a combination of contributing factors contributing to this increase, including a combination of genetic factors, and factors stemming from changes in current children’s lifestyles. Lifestyle related factors include increased near work (like screen time), and decreased outdoor time compared to the time previous generations of young people spent engaging in these activities.
Serious Concerns
High myopia carries significant risks for serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even blindness.
Focus on Prevention
Efforts are now focused on slowing the progression of myopia in children, rather than just correcting vision.
At The Eye Site, we are committed to partnering with parents to helping to manage your children’s eyesight, in order to detect signs of myopia and to implement methods of control, or treatment in order to provide the best chances for long term eye health for your child. We are the first eye doctor in the area to provide these preventive control methods, including:
Myopia Control Methods:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea to improve daytime vision.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is the use of specially designed and fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. It’s like orthodontics for your eyes and the treatment is often compared to dental braces. Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night to reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. Vision improvements are reversible but can be maintained if you keep wearing the lenses as directed.”
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses have different zones of focus, helping to slow eye growth.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can effectively slow myopia progression.
- Special Glasses: Certain types of glasses, like those with peripheral defocus, can also help slow myopia progression.
There are also prevention steps that can help to slow down the progression of myopia in your child that can become part of your healthy lifestyle.
Myopia Prevention Steps:
- Outdoor Time: Spending time outdoors, especially in bright sunlight, has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia development.
- Use Breaks from Near Work, like the 20/20/20 Rule: Make sure that your child is taking breaks from reading, writing, and screen time. Allowing your eyes to break from near work and switching to far sighted activity, such as playing outside, is beneficial in preventing myopia.
- Pay Attention to Diet: Studies point to a correlation between developing eye conditions like myopia and regular diets that include more processed, less fresh whole foods. It is important that your child gets a regular diet of fresh fruits and vegetables for healthy eye and vision development.
Important Note: This information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, please make an appointment with us for proper diagnosis and treatment.