As an eye doctor and the mother of children with myopia, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that myopia can have on daily life.
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear.
With the massive increase in screen usage, myopia is a growing concern, especially for children, as more kids are being diagnosed with myopia at younger ages. But what exactly is myopia, and why does it happen?
Understanding Myopia
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. For example, if your child is struggling to read the board at school but can read a book up close with no issues, they may have myopia.
While glasses or contact lenses can correct this blurred vision, the root cause of myopia is the structural change in the eye. This is why myopia tends to worsen over time, especially during childhood when the eyes are still developing.
Why Does Myopia Happen?
Myopia is influenced by both genetics and environment. If you are myopic, there’s a higher chance your children will be too. Genetics play a significant role in determining whether someone will develop myopia, as children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop the condition.
However, environmental factors also contribute. Studies show that children who spend long hours focusing on near tasks, such as reading, using tablets, or doing homework, are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
The increase in screen time and indoor activities in today’s digital world has been linked to the rising rates of myopia in children. On the flip side, children who spend more time outdoors, especially in natural sunlight, seem to have a lower risk of developing or worsening myopia.
Simple takeaway, screen usage is bad for the developing eye.
What Can You Do?
As a parent, keep an eye on your child’s vision (pun intended!). Look for signs like squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or holding books close to their face. If you notice these behaviors, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye care provider.
You can also help slow the progression of myopia by encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen time. If your child has myopia, there are specialized treatments, like orthokeratology (OrthoK) and other myopia management strategies, that can slow the condition’s progression.
As a mother of myopic children, I know how concerning it can be to watch your child's vision worsen. But with proper care and early intervention, you can help manage myopia and protect their eye health for the future.