It starts innocently enough. A child moves closer to the television, squints at the classroom board or complains of a headache after school. Many parents assume it’s time for glasses.
Increasingly, eye doctors are seeing a rise in childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, with implications that go beyond a stronger prescription.
"Myopia usually arises when the eye grows too long, causing an image to focus before it reaches the retina," explains optometrist Dr. Ted Snyder, owner of Mason Eye Center and a pediatric eye care specialist for more than 30 years.
The condition is more common today. While about 30% of the population is affected, experts predict that the number could reach nearly 50% by 2050.
Although genetics plays a role, Dr. Snyder shares that screen-heavy lifestyles are also contributing to the rise in childhood myopia. More time indoors and increased use of computers, phones and other digital devices may be affecting children’s vision.
Dr. Snyder encourages parents to watch for signs such as squinting at the clock, television or classroom board, as well as frequent headaches.
"The earlier we catch it, the earlier we can slow it down or prevent it," he notes.
Fortunately, new options are helping eye care professionals manage myopia in ways not available a decade ago. Mason Eye Center offers three approaches to slow progression.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: slow the elongation of the eye.
- Stellest lenses: specialized spectacle lens that redirects light entering the eye.
- MiSight daily disposable contact lenses: designed to slow progression while correcting vision.
According to Dr. Snyder, optimal treatment varies by age, lifestyle and level of nearsightedness. Families can protect children’s vision by limiting recreational screen time and encouraging two hours of daily outdoor time. He also recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes during close-up work.
Beyond improving vision today, myopia management may help protect children’s eye health for decades. High myopia can increase the risk of serious conditions later in life, including retinal detachment and other degenerative eye diseases. By identifying nearsightedness early and slowing progression, parents may help safeguard future vision.
For Dr. Snyder, one of the most important steps is also the simplest: regular eye exams.
"Kids do not have an understanding of when their vision is not normal," he says. “Early detection is key.”
A few extra minutes in the exam chair today can make a lasting difference in how a child sees the world tomorrow. MasonEyeCenter.com