Childhood myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. Here are important aspects to understand about childhood myopia:
Prevalence: Childhood myopia has been increasing globally, especially in urbanized areas of East Asia, but it is also becoming more prevalent in other parts of the world.
Onset and Progression: Myopia typically starts during childhood or adolescence and tends to progress until the eyes stop growing, which is usually in the late teens or early twenties.
Causes: The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Children with myopic parents are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Environmental factors such as prolonged near work (reading, screen time) and limited outdoor time have also been associated with increased risk.
Impact: Myopia can affect a child’s academic performance and quality of life if not corrected. It may lead to difficulty seeing the board in school or participating in activities that require clear distance vision, such as sports.
Diagnosis: Childhood myopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This exam includes tests to measure visual acuity and determine the extent of nearsightedness.
Management:
Eyeglasses or contact lenses: These are the most common forms of correction. Prescription lenses help to refocus light onto the retina, providing clear distance vision.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing special gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, allowing for clearer vision during the day without corrective lenses.
Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. They are used off-label for this purpose under the supervision of an eye care professional.
Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging outdoor activities and reducing screen time may help reduce the risk of myopia progression.
Complications: High myopia (severe nearsightedness) can increase the risk of other eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Managing childhood myopia early can help reduce the risk of these complications.
It's important for parents to monitor their children's vision regularly and seek professional eye care if they notice signs of vision problems or if there is a family history of myopia. Early intervention and appropriate management can help minimize the impact of myopia on a child's vision and overall eye health.