26/05/2021
As this week is Myopia Week, here is my Quick answers to Myopia:
👀 What Is Myopia?
Myopia is the single greatest threat to our children’s vision, resulting in poor vision in the distance. "Can't see far, but can see near".
👀 How can this affect my child?
This can affect their concentration and schooling while looking at the board in class.
👀 What causes myopia?
Both family genetics and environmental factors. If the parent is myopic, there is a high chance that the child will become myopic. Studies showed that the significant increase in the number of myopic people in the recent years is attributed to environmental risk factors, like spending less time outdoors and longer time on near based activities (eg. reading or screen time).
👀 How common is it?
On average, currently 30% of the world has myopia.
Estimated to increase to 50% by 2050. That’s 5 billion people!
👀 What are the signs of myopia?
Objects in the distance appear blurry. However, most young children don't report this to their parent as they don't know what is normal vision and what is abnormal blurry vision. Some children may report headaches and/or eye fatigue caused by the eyes straining to focus. Myopia usually develops during childhood, so parents should start to check behaviours, such as sitting too close to the TV, holding screens close to the face or squinting when looking at objects. Observant teachers may also notice children who have difficulty reading the board.
👀 Are there complications of Myopia?
Most people with mild to moderate myopia won’t experience any complications. However, high myopia, requiring a lens of -6.00D or more, does come with increased risk of complications, like risk of retinal detachment, cataracts, myopic degeneration and glaucoma, which can all cause vision loss. People with high myopia should have comprehensive eye health examinations regularly.
👀 Does myopia progress?
Myopia often progress through childhood and into early adulthood. Progression is recognised by distance vision getting blurry in spite of correction.
👀 Can myopia be prevented?
As myopia is often hereditary, it cannot be completely prevented. However, research suggests there are ways to slow the progression of the condition, especially in children. The condition may be delayed or prevented by spending less time on devices and more time outside, possibly due to increased exposure to sunlight or the need to look into the far distance regularly. While myopia cannot be completely prevented, it can be treated through the use of corrective lenses – multifocal glasses or contacts lenses – and through drug therapies (eye medication drops) that restrict peripheral focussing. The intent of this is to stop lengthening of the eyeball.
24-28 May 2021.
