Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rapidly becoming a global concern. A study revealed that nearly 20% of Canadian children already have myopia, with the numbers escalating dramatically as they age. The most concerning finding? A five-fold increase in myopia in children aged 6-8 and those aged 11-13.
Fortunately, there are ways we can address this. Keep reading to learn what you can do at home and how an optometrist in Windsor and Tecumseh can help.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects how well someone can see objects at a distance. In children with myopia, distant objects appear blurry, while close-up items remain clear. This occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
What's the Best Age to Start Treating Myopia?
Timing is crucial when treating myopia in children. Eye care professionals recommend starting treatment as early as possible to slow down the progression of nearsightedness. Addressing myopia in children before the age of ten is crucial.
During these formative years, a child's eyes are still developing and more responsive to interventions to control myopia.
Slowing Down the Progression of Myopia in Children
Myopia, with age, can get worse. As parents, it's essential to understand how we can slow down myopia progression in our kids.
Get Outside
Spending time outdoors is not just fun for kids; it's also beneficial for their eye health. The natural light and changing distances of objects outside can help to reduce the risk of developing myopia. Encouraging children to play, explore, and engage in activities outdoors can help them maintain healthy eyes.
Kids should spend at least an hour outside every day.
Less Screentime
Children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. Whether it's for online learning, gaming, or socializing, constant exposure to screens can contribute to the progression of myopia in children.
Encouraging kids to take regular breaks from screens can help reduce eye strain and slow down the worsening of nearsightedness. Also, encourage your children to wear blue light glasses when they use screens. Establishing healthy screen time habits early on is vital to promote good eye health.
Visit an Eye Doctor
A recent survey showed that only half of Canadian parents had taken their child to an eye doctor in the last year. For our children, this is crucial.
Early treatment makes a huge difference. In addition, children can grow, learn, and play properly when their vision is corrected.
An optometrist can recommend a variety of different treatments. This can include the following:
Atropine eye drops for myopia
Ortho-k contact lenses for myopia
Specialized glasses
Treatment for Myopia in Children in Windsor and Tecumseh
Parents often worry about myopia in children. Understanding myopia and managing it effectively can make a significant difference in your child's eye health.
At Bellemore Optometry, you'll see the difference in our caring and attentive optometrists. Whether you need myopia control and treatment, contact lenses, eyeglasses or prescription glasses, we're here to meet your needs.
Schedule your appointment in Windsor or Tecumseh today.
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