What is Myopia and How Does it Affect Your Kid’s Vision? Important questions answered

So, your kid can't see the blackboard in school or read books without squinting. Their eyes seem to be getting worse and you're worried. Chances are they may have myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Let’s explore this topic deeper, one question at a time. When it comes to eye health, 'What is myopia?' is a question many people have, and in this blog, we will delve into the details of this prevalent eye condition, its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.

What is myopia? The first and most important question remains to be- “What is myopia.” The main cause of myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, so images focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. It typically develops in school-age children and tends to worsen until their late teens. The statistics concerning myopia are cause for concern. In 2010 approximately 27% of the global population, or around 1.45 billion people, were affected. It is expected that by 2050, half of the world's population will be affected by myopia.1 Near-sightedness usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and gets worse until your early twenties.2 High myopia is said to occur when a person's myopia progresses until they need −5 dioptres (D) or more of spherical correction.3

What are the factors that influence myopia? There are a few factors that may increase a child's risk of developing myopia:4

• Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families. If you or your partner have myopia, your child is more likely to as well.
• Not enough time outside: Some research shows that increased exposure to natural light may help prevent or slow the progression of myopia in children. Encourage your kids to spend time outside every day.
• Too much screen time: Excessive up-close activities like reading, tablet use, and gaming may contribute to myopia development or worsening in kids.

Moreover, widespread school closures, in-house quarantines, and online classes during the lockdown period of COVID-19 in recent years have increased digital screen time and the overall time spent near work, decreasing outdoor time among school-going children. Although school closures were short-lived, increased access and adoption of such platforms accelerated the widespread acceptance of digital tools in the longer term and have influenced behavioral changes.5

How does myopia impact vision? Myopia could result in blurry vision for your child as they struggle to see distant objects. The most common symptoms of myopia in children are squinting, difficulty seeing distant objects like a whiteboard or road signs, sitting close to the TV, and frequent eye rubbing. 

What is the science behind myopia? Myopia occurs when the cornea's shape or the overall shape of the eye leads to an inaccurate focusing of incoming light. Typically, myopia is caused by the eye being excessively long or having an oval shape instead of being round. It can also result from the cornea having a steep curve. These structural changes cause light rays to converge in front of the retina, leading to a crossing of the rays. Consequently, the messages transmitted from the retina to the brain are perceived as blurred, affecting our ability to see distant objects clearly.2

What would happen if it were not detected in time? According to Dr Sidharth Kesarwani, if myopia is not detected in time, it could progress to higher numbers and could lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. 

How can I help my child who has myopia? The good news is with treatment like glasses, contacts, or laser surgery, your child can see clearly and prevent serious vision issues.  Childhood myopia is a growing vision problem among children today. Since children spend a hefty amount of time indoors, their eye health suffers. When their vision is impaired, their school performance will, too. That’s why now more than ever, it’s important to have your child’s eyes checked regularly.  Nearsightedness or myopia can be diagnosed by eye doctors through a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. Schedule an eye exam with your ophthalmologist today.

What are the treatment options for myopia? For those wondering if there is a cure for myopia, it is important to know that there is no definite cure for myopia but there are everyday steps you can take that can support your overall eye health such as setting limits for your children on activities that lead to eye strain.6 Moreover, there are treatment options that can help correct it or slow down its progression, which includes spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and pharmaceutical agents such as atropine based eyedrops.7

References

1. Nouraeinejad A. More Than Fifty Percent of the World Population Will Be Myopic by 2050. Beyoglu Eye J. 2021 Dec 17;6(4):255-256.
2. National Eye Institute | National Eye Institute [Internet]. Nearsightedness (Myopia) | National Eye Institute; [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/nearsightedness-myopia 
3. Williams K, Hammond C. High myopia and its risks. Community Eye Health. 2019;32(105):5-6. PMID: 31409941; PMCID: PMC6688422.
4. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Nearsightedness - Symptoms and causes; 2022 Sep 16 [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556 
5. Wong CW, Tsai A, Jonas JB, Ohno-Matsui K, Chen J, Ang M, Ting DSW. Digital Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom? Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar;223:333-337. 
6. Cleveland Clinic medical professional. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Myopia Means Nearsightedness; [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8579-myopia-nearsightedness 
7. Gwiazda J. Treatment options for myopia. Optom Vis Sci. 2009 Jun;86(6):624-8.

FAQ Questions On What Is Myopia

What is the main cause of myopia? The main cause of myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, so images focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. What are the symptoms of Myopia? The most common symptoms of myopia in children are squinting, difficulty seeing distant objects like a whiteboard or road signs, sitting close to the TV, and frequent eye rubbing. What are the treatment options for myopia? Moreover, there are treatment options that can help correct it or slow down its progression, which include spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and pharmaceutical agents such as atropine-based eyedrops.7 Can myopia be cured? For those wondering if there is a cure for myopia, it is important to know that there is no definite cure for myopia but there are everyday steps you can take that can support your overall eye health such as setting limits for your children on activities that lead to eye strain. How is Myopia Diagnosed? Nearsightedness or myopia can be diagnosed by eye doctors through a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. What is High Myopia? High myopia is said to occur when a person's myopia progresses until they need −5 dioptres (D) or more of spherical correction.3