Myopia in Children: Is your Child at Risk?
Myopia or near sightedness, results in blurry distance vision. This refractive error usually begins in children, and worsens each year. Here is what you need to know about children and the need for glasses. Myopia is usually corrected by glasses, contact lenses or surgery (after the age of eighteen).
Myopia Progression and Control
The blurry vision keeps getting worse as the child grows. This is called myopia progression. Myopia control strategies may slow progression and avoid high myopia.
What are risk factors for myopia in children?
Genetics – If one parent has myopia, the risk for myopia is three times greater than if no parent has myopia. If both parents have myopia then this risk is doubled (x6).
Environmental factors- These are “modifiable” risk factors, and can help reduce the risk of myopia.
- Not not spending enough time outdoors is a risk factor. You should, therefore, encourage your children to spend at least 2 hours everyday outside in natural sunlight.
- Prolonged near work may lead to myopia. Near work requires close focus, and includes reading and using screens. You must, therefore, encourage your kids to take frequent breaks during near work.
How to reduce your child’s risk of myopia?
- Spend time outdoors, at least two hours per day in daylight.
- Regular eye exams, starting at 6 months, to ensure their eye glasses prescription is up to date.
- Decrease screen time. Frequent breaks of 20 seconds or more during all near work
- Use prescribed glasses. Consider myopia control strategies like special lenses, eyedrops and glasses.
What is the ideal eye examination schedule for children?
- At 6 months
- Between ages 3 and 5 (before pre-school)
- When starting first grade (Formal school)
- Annual exams thereafter
If your child needs glasses, they may require eye exams more frequently, especially during puberty. Remember, one in four children has myopia. And to make sure that your child has 20 20 vision, you must ensure they have their annual eye exam with your eye doctor.
