Your child's vision is an essential part of their development but they can face many eye problems as they grow. Refractive vision errors occur when the shape of the corneas prevents clear vision at specific distances, and are a widespread issue in children of all ages.
This includes myopia, or nearsightedness, which makes it harder to see objects farther away, posing a problem for kids sitting in the back of the class who may struggle to participate in activities. Children have been dealing with this issue for years, and addressing it with glasses or contact lenses is a straightforward process.
Unfortunately, myopia is on the rise, which creates problems for millions of families. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, so learn about myopia, the increased risk factors and childhood, and how to address it.
Parents in the Pelham Gardens, Bronx, New York, area seeking ways to care for their children’s vision can find assistance with the team of doctors and their medical staff at Bronx Eye Associates.
More than 40% of people deal with this condition, and 25% of parents have a child with some level of myopia. Often, the problem is diagnosed in individuals under 20 years old, encompassing children and teenagers. It can develop from hereditary factors and environmental issues, such as insufficient exposure to natural light and prolonged use of computer screens. Still, it often levels off during the teenage years.
In addition to the visual issues myopia causes, children can also experience eyestrain, headaches, and shorter attention spans. If they haven’t been diagnosed and treated for this issue, it can affect their ability to perform in school.
While myopia is a common problem in children, the number of children affected is increasing due to issues with a lack of time outside playing in the sunlight. Children are spending, on average, up to 7 hours on computers and TV screens daily, while only getting less than 10 minutes out of the house.
More activities and entertainment for kids are conducted in the house in front of a screen, which deprives them of a direct source of vitamin D, as well as a reduction in dopamine, both of which are derived from direct sunlight. According to research, reduced dopamine affects the retina and slows down axial growth, which changes the shape of the eye and leads to refractive issues like myopia.
There are benefits to children enjoying some time in front of a TV or playing a game, but it’s essential to monitor the amount of time they spend doing so and encourage them to be more active, get outside, and have fun. Studies show this slows down the development of myopia, even if things like family history cause it to happen later. If you notice your child struggling to see something by squinting or leaning in to make out details, getting them an eye exam is a vital step to confirm and treat myopia early. This helps them adjust to things like glasses or other eyewear as they transition into school and spend more time with their peers.
Aside from glasses, we can help your child manage myopia by using low-dose atropine eyedrops, multifocal contact lenses, and orthokeratology — a specialized contact lens that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive eye problems.
With more kids dealing with nearsightedness, it’s all the more essential that you stay on top of your child’s eye health. Make an appointment with the medical team at Bronx Eye Associates today to help your kids see better for longer.
