More and more children rely on eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct their vision. While a certain level of myopia is common in younger children, researchers are finding an alarming increase in cases. Is this change due to environmental factors or genetic makeup? Can anything be done about myopia rates increasing in our youngest population? A trusted optometrist discusses more here.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition where a person has difficulty seeing objects far away. Myopia occurs when the eye grows longer than normal during childhood, leading to refractive error and blurred distant vision. This type of inability usually requires some form of corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. An optometrist says the common causes of myopia include genetics, computer overuse and time spent indoors looking at screens instead of playing outdoors with friends.
Why Are Myopia Rates on the Rise in Children?
It’s unclear why myopia rates have increased drastically in recent years, although environmental factors seem more significant than genetics. Recent studies have found that children who spend more time outdoors and less time on screens have better vision than those who do not.
How Can You Prevent or Treat Myopia?
Parents can do a few things to help prevent or reduce the chances of their children developing myopia. Having them spend more time outdoors, limiting screen time and eating healthy meals are all simple steps that have been proven and recommended by optometrists to positively impact vision health. Regular eye exams are also essential for early detection and quickly addressing vision changes.
Want to Protect Your Child’s Eyesight?
Visiting Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic for regular eye exams is a great way to ensure your child’s vision is healthy and cared for all year round. Give us a call at (425) 771-8472 (Lynnwood) or (425) 485-0430 (Bothell) or send us a message online to schedule an appointment.