Nearsightedness in Children: Why It’s Trending Up

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is on the rise in the United States and around the world, especially in children. Although children are more likely to develop myopia if their parents are nearsighted, one in three people ages 12 to 54 in the United States are affected by myopia. In most cases, nearsightedness is attributed to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. By identifying inherited myopia early and ensuring consistent treatment, the progression of risks associated can be significantly slowed. Although genetic predispositions can’t be altered, taking proactive steps can help preserve a child’s vision and protect their eye health in the long run. Regardless of genetics at play, with nearsightedness in children trending up, what environmental factors are responsible for the increase in pediatric myopia?

The growing scientific consensus to explain the sharp climb in pediatric myopia in recent decades has to do with increased screen time, and by contrast, less time outdoors in natural light. Previous generations did not spend time on illuminated technology such as laptops, smart phones, tablets and handheld video game consoles up close for hours a day as kids do now. In fact, studies show that nearsightedness has almost doubled in the last 30 years. When children engage in close-up activities, a significant portion of the image fails to focus properly on the edges of the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. This blurred vision triggers the eye to elongate, resulting in higher levels of myopia. Additionally, limited exposure to outdoor light increases the risk of developing myopia because natural light stimulates the release of dopamine which signals the eye to slow its growth.

Educational systems worldwide have increasingly emphasized early academic achievement, extending use of technology at school or for homework thereby causing symptoms such as eye discomfort, fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, eye strain and blurred vision often resulting in a diagnosis of myopia. Teens and adults spend more time in front of screens too for work and online courses. Myopia was never thought of as a major concern as it could be treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses and if a permanent solution was desired, laser eye surgery. Reversing the trend has recently become a greater focus in the eye care community as there is a larger understanding that myopia is associated with uncorrectable vision loss later in life due to various age-related eye conditions that include glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration. 

While myopia currently cannot be cured or reversed, slowing the progression can help ensure a child’s eyes are safeguarded for the future. A comprehensive eye exam at Skyline Vision Clinic will uncover what degree of myopia your child is experiencing and how to proactively prescribe what is best for their needs. Solutions include atropine eye drops, special contact lenses such as Ortho-Kor multifocal contact lenses, and spectacle lenses. Steps you can take today include limiting screen time, utilizing the 20-20-20 rule of having your child take a break every 20 minutes to focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Encourage your kids to play outside in natural light; research shows just 90 minutes of day outside can slow the progression of myopia.  
To learn more, contact Skyline Vision Clinic at 719-630-3937 or WEBSITE.