Nearsightedness, or myopia, is quickly becoming one of the most common vision problems globally. What many once saw as a minor inconvenience is now a growing epidemic, particularly among children.
The increasing rates of myopia have raised concerns among parents, educators, and eye care providers alike. At Hartsdale Family Eyecare, we understand the urgency of addressing this issue, especially when safeguarding our youngest patients' vision.
That's why we offer myopia therapy that focuses on both managing the condition and slowing its progression.
Myopia and the Importance of Early Detection
Myopia is a refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurry. This eye condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina. This results in difficulty seeing things at a distance, such as road signs, chalkboards, or the TV screen.
Although glasses can correct this issue, they don't necessarily stop high myopia in childhood. High myopia can lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness. This makes regular children's eye exams essential for early detection and management of nearsightedness to slow its progression.
What Causes Myopia to Worsen?
We can largely attribute the rise in myopia to a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Increased Screen Time: Prolonged screen time and near work strain the eyes and contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
- Lack of Outdoor Activity: Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia.
- Educational Demands: The emphasis on academic achievement can lead to children spending more hours studying and doing homework. This near work adds to the risk of developing myopia.
- Genetic Predisposition: Children with myopic parents are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
How to Prevent Myopia From Worsening
Addressing the myopia epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes:
- Promoting Outdoor Activities: Outdoor play is an effective myopia treatment for children. Schools and parents can play a crucial role in incorporating more outdoor play into daily routines.
- Managing Screen Time: Limiting screen time and ensuring that children take regular breaks during close-up tasks can help reduce eye strain. Pediatric eye care specialists can provide personalized advice, including tips on the 20-20-20 rule. This rule involves taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Myopia Control Treatments: There are several emerging treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia, including atropine treatment, multifocal contacts and eyeglasses, and orthokeratology (ortho-k). These treatments can reduce the risk of developing high myopia.
- Regular Eye Exams: Early detection of myopia is essential for effective management. Routine children's eye exams near you can help monitor changes in vision and implement corrective measures as needed.
Request A Pediatric Eye Exam in Hartsdale
If you are concerned about your child's myopia, find myopia management near you at Hartsdale Family Eyecare.