What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent vision conditions worldwide, especially among children and young adults. It affects millions of people and is becoming more common due to lifestyle changes and increased time spent on activities like reading and screen use.
In simple terms, myopia makes it difficult to see objects clearly at a distance, while close-up vision remains sharp. For example, someone with myopia might have trouble reading a classroom whiteboard or recognizing distant road signs but can easily read a book or use a smartphone.
How Does Myopia Affect the Eye?
To understand how myopia affects vision, it helps to know a bit about how the eye works. In a typically shaped eye, light enters through the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and the lens. These structures bend (or refract) the light to focus directly on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then sends signals to the brain, which processes the visual information.
In an eye with myopia, the eye is too long from front to back, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurry vision for distant objects. The closer something is to the eye, the less of an issue this becomes, which is why people with myopia can still see nearby objects clearly.
Symptoms of Myopia
Recognizing the signs of myopia early is crucial, particularly in children, as the condition often worsens with age. Some common symptoms include:
Blurry distance vision: This is the most obvious symptom of myopia. If your child or you find it hard to see things far away—whether it's a school board, TV, or distant road signs—myopia could be the reason.
Squinting: Squinting is a natural response to blurry vision. By squinting, the eye reduces the amount of light entering, which can temporarily sharpen the focus for distant objects.
Eye strain: Prolonged periods of squinting and focusing on blurry images can lead to eye strain, which might result in headaches or a general feeling of tiredness in the eyes.
Sitting too close to screens: People with myopia often find themselves sitting closer to TVs, computer monitors, or holding books and devices closer to their faces than usual. Sitting close to screens is a coping mechanism to compensate for the blurry distance vision.
If you notice these symptoms in your child or yourself, it's important to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist to confirm whether myopia is the cause.
What Causes Myopia?
Genetics play a significant role in myopia. If one or both parents are nearsighted, the likelihood of their child developing myopia is significantly higher. However, myopia isn't solely dictated by genetics—environmental factors are also at play.
In recent years, experts have observed a sharp increase in cases of myopia, particularly in children. This rise has been linked to lifestyle changes. More children are spending extended periods engaged in near-work activities, such as using digital devices, reading, or doing homework, and less time outdoors.
Research suggests that spending time outdoors, especially in natural light, helps protect against the development of myopia. While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, it's thought that exposure to natural light may regulate eye growth, reducing the risk of myopia progression. As an Edmonton optometrist, we anecdotally see evidence of increasing myopia throughout the winter months.
Optometrists now recommend children spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily to support healthy eye development.
Can Myopia Be Prevented?
While myopia can't always be prevented, there are steps you can take to delay its onset and progression. For parents, it's especially important to encourage good eye habits in children, as their vision can change quickly.
Some preventative measures include:
Encouraging outdoor activities: Research indicates that children who spend more time outdoors—at least 2 hours a day—are less likely to develop myopia or experience rapid progression. Exposure to natural light appears to have a protective effect on eye health.
Limiting screen time: Excessive time spent on digital devices and other near-work activities, such as reading or using tablets, is linked to higher rates of myopia. Limiting screen time and encouraging regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds) can reduce eye strain and help slow the progression of myopia.
Regular eye exams: Regular eye exams are critical for detecting myopia early. For children, it's recommended to have an eye exam every year or sooner if symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention, such as corrective lenses or myopia management techniques.
How is Myopia Treated?
Once myopia is diagnosed, it's important to correct the vision and manage the condition to prevent further progression. The main goal is to improve distance vision and reduce the risk of eye health complications that can arise from high myopia in the future. The following are common treatment options:
Glasses and Contact Lenses: The most common way to correct myopia is with prescription glasses or contact lenses. These help focus light properly on the retina, providing clear distance vision. Glasses are often the first choice for children because they are easy to use and adjust as the prescription changes. In Canada, we also have access to a number of specialty myopia management lenses like MiyoSmart and Stellest. Contact lenses, including special myopia control lenses like CooperVisions MiSight, may be a good option for older children and teens.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This reshaping temporarily corrects myopia, allowing for clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression in some children.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. They are typically used at bedtime and are part of a broader myopia management plan. These drops are not a standalone cure but can be an effective tool in slowing myopia progression when combined with other treatments.
Our optometrists may use these treatments on their own, or they may use a combination of them to achieve the desired goal.
What is Myopia Management?
For parents concerned about their child's worsening prescription, myopia management offers a proactive approach. Myopia management involves a combination of treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness rather than just correcting the vision with glasses or contacts. This is especially important for children, as the condition can worsen significantly over time, increasing the risk of serious eye issues in adulthood.
A myopia management program might include regular axial length measurements (the length of the eye) to monitor how fast myopia is progressing. This allows for timely adjustments to the treatment plan, whether that's introducing specialized lenses, orthokeratology, or medication.
By addressing myopia early and taking steps to manage its progression, we can help reduce the risk of future eye problems and preserve your child's vision for the long term.
Conclusion
Myopia is a common but manageable vision condition that can have a significant impact on your child's life. Early detection, prevention strategies like outdoor time, and a comprehensive myopia management plan can slow its progression and ensure your child enjoys clear, healthy vision for years to come.
If you suspect your child has myopia or if their prescription seems to be getting stronger, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Helio Optometry eye care clinic has a team of experienced optometrists and state-of-the-art technology to assess your child's eye health and vision. In addition, we offer a wide range of myopia management treatment options. Don't hesitate to give us a call, and let us help you take care of your children's eye health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.