Myopia Control Options For Kids: What Every Parent Needs To Know

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is an increasingly widespread vision health issue impacting one in every two people worldwide. Myopia causes blurred vision for distant objects and is now recognised as a major global public health concern. Experts predict that, if current trends continue, nearly 50 per cent of the world’s population could be affected by myopia by 2050, underscoring an urgent need for awareness and preventative measures.

Myopia typically begins around the age of 6 and can worsen rapidly in children and teenagers if not properly managed. If left unaddressed, myopia continues to progress throughout the teenage years and into early adulthood, a phase known as myopia progression, which in rare conditions could also lead to blindness.

Here are some key factors, contributing to the rise in myopia, that one should be aware of: 

• Increased screen time: With today’s children using digital devices at a younger age, the constant focus on screens may contribute to the development and progression of myopia. 

• Less Time Outside: Studies indicate that exposure to natural light and spending time outdoors can help slow myopia progression. However, in today’s time, for many children, outdoor play has been replaced by indoor activities. 

• Heredity Factors: Children with myopic parents are often at a higher risk of developing myopia themselves, indicating a strong genetic connection. Research states that if both parents are myopic, the likelihood of their child developing the condition increases significantly. This genetic predisposition, combined with environmental factors, contributes to the rising prevalence of myopia in younger generations.

Studies show without any proactive measures or lifestyle modifications, the overall prevalence of myopia across all age groups is expected to grow by 10.53 per cent in the next 30 years. It will become common among children. While myopia cannot be reversed its treatments can be followed to slow down the process. 

Steps to follow for controlling myopia in children 

• Regular Eye Check-ups: As healthcare professionals, we strongly recommend comprehensive eye exams for all children on a regular basis to monitor their vision and detect any issues early.

• Spend more time outside: Spending less time indoors and more outside may help in slowing down the progression of myopia as a child ages. Having scenery to look at and healthy exposure to natural light will ensure that your child’s eyes can develop properly. 

• Using Specialised Spectacle Lenses: Different types of lenses are available but in today’s time, one of the best solutions for myopia is special spectacle glasses. ZEISS MyoCare lenses can control Myopia Progression by 55 per cent-60 per cent.  

• 20-20-20 Rule: As doctors, we always recommend following a simple 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus your eyes on an object that is at least 20 feet distance, for at least 20 seconds. Our eyes are by nature designed to read static content ex: print matter which isn’t emitting light. Modern gadgets defy both these conditions. Apart from myopia kids can develop vertigo, migraine, sleep disorders and cognitive disabilities by viewing too much screen. Schools should ideally go back to old-school blackboards instead of smart screens for teaching.

By combining these simple lifestyle changes and proactive measures, we can make a significant difference in addressing the myopia epidemic and safeguarding eye health for generations to come.

Dr Jayashree Bhat

Guest Author DNB OPHTHALMOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE OPHTHALMOLOGIST Consultant Ophthalmologist Eyed entity and HCG cancer Hospital, Bengaluru