Myopia Is Increasing Among Children — Here’s What to Know

I vividly recall the day in fifth grade when the school nurse informed me that I needed glasses. During her routine vision and scoliosis checks, she flagged me and handed over a bright yellow slip for my mom. That slip felt like a heavy burden; none of my classmates wore glasses, and the thought of sporting them was mortifying. I still remember the moment I was fitted with my first pair of glasses—suddenly, I could discern individual leaves on trees, which had previously appeared as indistinct green blobs.

I was diagnosed with “myopia,” commonly known as near-sightedness.

Despite my childhood belief that glasses were rare, myopia is actually quite widespread. Approximately 50% of the population experiences myopia, and this figure is likely on the rise. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that studies indicate myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent among children.

To get a better understanding of this trend, we spoke with Dr. Mark Robinson, an Optometric Director at Vision Health Group.

Understanding Myopia

In individuals with myopia, the eye is slightly elongated from front to back. This elongation causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up items remain clear. Children with myopia may squint, frequently rub their eyes, or report having trouble seeing far away. The AAO advises parents to be vigilant for these signs, as kids often adapt to changes in their vision and may not express their concerns.

If left untreated, myopia can lead to other serious eye issues later in life, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Is Myopia Increasing in Children?

Both the AAO and Dr. Robinson confirm that myopia rates are rising among children, although the reasons remain somewhat unclear. Modern lifestyles likely play a role; research has shown that children who spend more time indoors engaged in near-focused activities like computer use, video games, and reading tend to have higher myopia rates than those who are outdoors more frequently. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, pushing children indoors and onto screens for education and socialization. The AAO has noted a possible increase in new myopia cases since COVID-19 began. Moreover, children who already had myopia appear to be experiencing a more rapid decline in their vision.

Dr. Robinson suggests that reduced outdoor time, a factor believed to lower myopia risk, has also been a significant impact of the pandemic.

How to Treat Myopia

The good news is that myopia is easily correctable, although it cannot be reversed. Options include glasses, contact lenses, or even surgery. Early diagnosis is crucial, as Dr. Robinson emphasizes that many eye conditions, if caught in time, can be modified or their severity reduced. Regular eye exams should be scheduled annually, starting with your child’s pediatrician, who can refer you to a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist if necessary.

To help slow the progression of myopia, parents should encourage outdoor activities and limit screen time. While this is easier said than done in today’s world, with challenges like COVID variants and poor air quality, it remains essential.

Dr. Robinson recommends the following tips for optimizing your child’s eye health:

Encourage the use of larger screens positioned further away.
Implement the 20-20-20 rule: after 20 minutes of screen time, have them look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Aim for at least an hour of outdoor time, allowing them to focus on varying distances.

Today, wearing glasses is far less stigmatized than it once was, making it easier for children to embrace better eye health. Good vision is crucial for their overall well-being and education. I can attest to the fact that the world transforms when you can see clearly, turning previously indistinguishable green shapes into beautiful, vibrant leaves.

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Summary

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is increasingly common among children, with lifestyle factors such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor activities contributing to the rise. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition effectively. Parents are encouraged to facilitate outdoor time and limit screen exposure to promote better eye health.