Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent vision disorders worldwide. It affects how the eye focuses on distant objects, making them appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. In recent years, the number of people diagnosed with myopia has risen significantly, especially among children and young adults.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error where light entering the eye does not focus correctly on the retina. Instead, the light rays focus in front of the retina due to the eye being too long or the cornea having too much curvature. This leads to difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly, such as road signs or a whiteboard in class.
Symptoms of Myopia
Recognizing the symptoms of myopia is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common signs include:
Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
Frequent squinting or eye strain
Headaches caused by eye fatigue
Difficulty seeing at night or while driving
Holding books or digital devices very close to the face
Poor academic performance in children due to unclear distant vision
In many cases, myopia in children may go unnoticed until it begins to affect their daily life, especially at school. Parents and teachers should be alert for any signs of visual discomfort or complaints from children about not being able to see the board.
Causes of Myopia
The exact causes of myopia are not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children are more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents are nearsighted. However, lifestyle factors such as prolonged near work (reading, writing, or screen time), lack of outdoor activity, and limited exposure to natural light are also major contributors.
Modern lifestyles, where kids spend extended hours on digital screens and less time outdoors, have significantly influenced the rising rates of myopia globally. Urbanization and academic pressures further compound the risk.
Myopia in Children: A Growing Concern
Myopia in children is a growing concern across the globe. Early onset of myopia can lead to high myopia in later years, which increases the risk of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
Because of this, it’s essential for children to undergo regular eye checkups, especially if there’s a family history of vision problems or if they show symptoms. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment for myopia and helps slow its progression.
Treatment for Myopia
While myopia cannot be reversed, several treatment options for myopia are available to manage the condition:
Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: The most common and effective method to correct myopic vision.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses that reshape the cornea overnight.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine has shown promise in slowing the progression of myopia in children.
Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can permanently reshape the cornea and correct myopia in adults.
Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses can help in both vision correction and controlling myopia progression.
It is crucial to consult an eye care professional to determine the best treatment option based on the individual’s age, lifestyle, and severity of the condition.
Myopia Prevention Tips
Though myopia has a genetic component, certain lifestyle changes can help in myopia prevention, especially in children:
Encourage outdoor activities for at least 1–2 hours daily
Reduce screen time and ensure regular breaks during near work
Maintain proper lighting while reading or using digital devices
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Schedule regular eye exams, even if there are no symptoms