Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has become a growing concern among parents and healthcare professionals in recent years. With children spending more time indoors, engaged in activities like reading, using tablets, and watching TV, the incidence of myopia has skyrocketed. 5 Tips for slowing myopia progression in kids are:
- Limited screen time
- Outdoor play
- Proper lighting when indoors
- Regular children’s eye exams
- Myopia control options
If left untreated, myopia can lead to more severe eye problems in adulthood, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. The good news is that early intervention can help slow myopia progression in kids.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to managing myopia in children. The sooner you start taking proactive steps, the better the chances of slowing down its progression. This is not just about wearing glasses—it involves lifestyle changes, regular eye check-ups, and specific treatments designed to control myopia.
Untreated high myopia could result in potential complications such as an increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachments. That’s part of why it’s important to discuss your child’s vision with their eye doctor.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time and close-up work have been linked to a higher risk of developing myopia in children. The eyes are not designed to focus on screens for extended periods; doing so can result in strain and contribute to the progression of nearsightedness. Encouraging kids to take regular breaks and limiting their screen time can make a significant difference to myopia control.
Practical Advice
Set specific screen time limits, ensuring your child takes breaks every 20-30 minutes. Encourage them to follow the 20-20-20 rule—for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
Promote a balanced daily routine that includes outdoor activities, reading books, and creative play. By diversifying their activities, you can help reduce their overall screen time and provide their eyes with much-needed relief.
Encourage Outdoor Play
Numerous studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help slow myopia progression in children. Natural light exposure is beneficial for eye health, and the variety of distances the eyes focus on while playing outside helps maintain flexibility in vision.
Practical Advice
Encourage your child to spend at least 1 to 2 hours outdoors daily. These activities can significantly benefit their eye health, whether it’s playing sports, riding a bike, or simply taking a walk. Make outdoor play a regular part of their routine, even if it means adjusting your schedule to accommodate it.
Set up a play area where your child can engage in various activities if you have a yard. If not, consider visiting local parks or playgrounds. The key is to make outdoor time enjoyable and engaging so your child looks forward to it.
Ensure Proper Lighting for Activities
Proper lighting is essential for activities like reading, homework, and other close-up work. There is some evidence that poor lighting can exacerbate myopia, while brighter lighting may help hold it in check. Ensuring that your child has adequate lighting can help mitigate this issue.
Practical Advice
Make sure your child’s study area is well-lit. Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness to provide adequate light for reading and writing. Natural light is ideal, so position desks near windows whenever possible.
Invest in high-quality LED lights that mimic natural daylight. These lights are easier on the eyes and can help reduce eye strain. Avoid using dim or overly bright lights.
Opt for Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye check-ups are crucial for monitoring the progression of myopia and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans. Your child’s eye doctor can provide personalized advice and recommend treatments tailored to your child’s needs.
Practical Advice
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, you should schedule comprehensive eye exams for your child at least once a year. More frequent visits might be necessary to monitor changes in their prescription if they already wear glasses. Keep track of any changes in their vision and communicate these to your eye care professional.
Your child’s optometrist can conduct various tests to assess your child’s vision and eye health during an eye exam. These tests may include checking visual acuity, measuring eye pressure, and examining the retina. Discuss any concerns you have and ask for recommendations on managing myopia.
Consider Myopia Control Options
Several treatments can help slow the progression of myopia in children. These include specialized contact lenses, progressive lenses, therapeutic lenses, prescription eye drops, and orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses. Each option has its benefits and considerations.
Practical Advice
Consult with your optometrist to discuss the best myopia control options for your child. They can provide detailed information on each treatment and help you make an informed decision.
Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment once your child begins a myopia control program. Stay proactive in managing their treatment plan and ensure they adhere to the recommended regimen.
Discuss Your Child’s Eye Health with Us
Myopia in children is a growing concern, but with early intervention and consistent management, its progression can be significantly slowed. Taking the steps suggested above can improve your child’s quality of life and set them up for a future with better eye health.
Contact our team at Eye Q Optometry today to book an exam with your child’s eye doctor. One of our experienced optometrists can examine your child’s eyes, review their findings with you, and offer professional, tailored advice.
