Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common vision disorder that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while nearby objects are clearly visible. It occurs when the eye is longer than normal or due to excessive curvature of the cornea, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia progresses more rapidly in younger children because their eyes are still growing rapidly. This means that children with this condition may need to have their glasses updated with stronger prescriptions more frequently. Additionally, they are more susceptible to future visual complications. Because young children may struggle to communicate vision problems, detecting myopia can be particularly challenging.
Myopia often develops at an early age when the eyeball continues to grow beyond the age of 10-12, the age at which eye growth is expected to stabilize. In Saudi Arabia, like many other countries, the prevalence of myopia among children has increased significantly in recent years, attributed to prolonged screen time and lack of outdoor activity.
Myopia in adulthood can develop as a result of visual fatigue caused by constant close work, such as college studies or prolonged use of digital devices. Failure to correct vision properly, whether by not wearing glasses when needed or using inappropriate lenses, can also contribute to the problem.
Why is myopia a concern?Myopia tends to develop rapidly during childhood, especially because children’s eyes are still developing. The younger a child is when myopia begins, the more rapidly the condition progresses, leading to worsening vision problems over time.
Always consult an eye care specialist to choose the most suitable option for each child according to their vision requirements and overall health.
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Knowing the causes and symptoms of myopia can help reduce the likelihood of developing it in children or slow its progression over time. There are steps you can take to maintain eye health and prevent the condition from worsening.
The earlier myopia is detected, the more effective it can be treated. Pay attention to your child’s behavior, such as holding things too close when reading or having difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
Young children may not realize they have a vision problem, making regular eye exams with an optician essential. Regular eye exams can detect any changes in vision and prompt appropriate action.
Reading, studying, and using digital devices are essential for children and teens, but short breaks should be taken every 20 minutes to give the eye muscles a chance to relax. It’s also recommended to maintain a forearm’s length distance between your eyes and the book or screen to reduce eye strain.
Excessive use of smart devices is linked to increased rates of nearsightedness, along with eye strain and dryness. It is recommended that screen time not exceed two hours per day outside of school hours, especially for children and adolescents.
Research indicates that spending more time outdoors helps reduce the risk of developing myopia. It’s recommended that children spend at least 90 minutes a day outdoors, whether walking or playing, while taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses and hats to protect their eyes from UV rays.
Regular glasses and contact lenses help improve vision, but they don’t prevent the progression of myopia. Specialized prescription lenses and glasses designed specifically for children and adolescents are available to help reduce the progression of the condition, and atropine eye drops have been shown to be effective in slowing visual deterioration. Consult an optician to determine the most appropriate treatment for your child.
