When it comes to the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness), the statistics are staggering. By 2050, nearly half of the world's population — about 5 billion people — will be myopic. Below are a few useful tips to help you prevent your child from being part of that statistic.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye elongates, causing light rays to focus in front of the light-sensitive retina rather than directly on it. Myopia tends to develop during childhood, when the eyeballs rapidly grow, mainly between the ages of 8-18. It can worsen slowly or quickly, but it is not simply an inconvenience. People with progressive myopia are more likely to develop serious eye diseases like cataracts, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and glaucoma later in life.

Signs Your Child May Be Myopic

• Blurred distance vision — Objects in the distance are blurred; kids may complain that they can't see the board.
• Headaches — When myopia isn't corrected, it can cause eye strain and headaches.
• Head tilting or squinting — If your child squints or tilts his or her head while watching TV, it may be a symptom of myopia.
• Looking at objects too closely — If you notice your child moving closer to the TV or squinting as they try to see the writing on the board, it may indicate myopia.

What Parents Can Do to Slow Their Child's Myopia Progression

• Encourage your child to go outdoors for at least 90 minutes a day, preferably in the sunshine.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends staring at a screen, reading and doing close work such as homework.
• Teach the 20-20-20 rule: During screen time, take a break every 20 minutes to look at an object across the room for at least 20 seconds.

How We Can Help

Certain eye doctors offer treatment methods known as myopia control or myopia management. These include orthokeratology, bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and eye drops like low dose atropine.

If your child shows signs of myopia, schedule an eye exam with Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield as soon as possible.