In today’s digital age, screens dominate our daily lives, and as a result, myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. Myopia in fact is an epidemic in developed nations. Myopia is a condition that blurs distant objects while favoring close-ups, and it is caused by a combination of genetics and excessive screen time[1] as well as near viewing. While myopia cannot be reversed, there are tailored myopia control strategies that can slow its progression, which is crucial for children’s immediate vision and long-term eye health.
The Importance of Control:
Early intervention is key to curbing myopia, as high myopia can lead to severe conditions such as retinal detachment and cataracts[1]. Therefore, it is essential to implement control methods to prevent myopia from worsening.
Control Methods:
1. Ortho-K Lenses: These lenses reshape the cornea overnight, providing daytime clarity without glasses. Ortho-K lenses are a popular option for children who are not comfortable wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day[2].
2. Multifocal Lenses: These lenses have multiple prescriptions in one lens, which deters eye elongation and slows the progression of myopia[3].
3. Atropine Drops: These drops dilate pupils, slowing the progression of myopia. Atropine drops are a safe and effective option for children, and they have been shown to reduce myopia progression by up to 50% [2].
4. Outdoor Time: Spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia through natural light exposure. Studies suggest that children who spend more time outdoors have lower rates of myopia than those who spend more time indoors doing near-focused activities[1].
5. Screen Strategy: Applying the 20-20-20 rule can lessen eye strain caused by screens. This rule suggests that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away[1].
It is important to note that these control methods should be tailored to each child’s specific needs and should be implemented under the guidance of an eye care professional.
Prevention is Key:
Preventing myopia from developing in the first place is also crucial. Encouraging schoolchildren to spend more time outdoors is an effective strategy to reduce the development of myopia[5]. Additionally, patient education is an essential element of myopia management. Parents and guardians should be informed about the importance of early intervention and the available control methods to slow the progression of myopia[6].
In conclusion, myopia is a growing concern among children, and it is essential to implement tailored control methods to slow its progression and prevent severe eye conditions. Ortho-K lenses, multifocal lenses, atropine drops, outdoor time, and screen strategies are all effective control methods that can be tailored to each child’s specific needs. Encouraging schoolchildren to spend more time outdoors and educating parents and guardians about myopia management is also crucial for preventing myopia from developing in the first place.
We offer concierge care for myopia control. Reach out to 702-368-2010 or send a message to myopia @ sweyeinstitute.com. The treatment may be expensive but the results can be priceless and lead to stabilized and preserved vision.
Citations:
[1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-control-in-children
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8078182/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6984636/
[4] https://journals.lww.com/kjop/Fulltext/2022/34030/Myopia__Strategies_to_prevent_progression.23.aspx
[5] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2772536
[6] https://modernod.com/articles/2019-apr/choosing-among-methods-of-myopia-control