What is Childhood Myopia?
Childhood Myopia
If your child can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurred, they may be myopic, or short-sighted. Myopia occurs when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it. It is most commonly caused by the eyeball growing too long, a process known as axial elongation.
What Causes Myopia?
The exact causes of myopia are not yet fully understood. However, both genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role in its development. For example, a child is more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents are myopic. Spending long periods on near-focused activities, such as reading or using digital devices, has also been associated with an increased risk of myopia.
Myopia commonly develops during the school years and may continue to progress until the late teenage years or early 20s, after which it often stabilises.
The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide. In some Asian countries, around 20% of children are already myopic by the time they begin primary school at about seven years of age, with rates rising to more than 80% among young adults completing tertiary education.
Myopia Control
Myopia is not simply about needing glasses. As the degree of myopia increases, so too does the risk of developing other potentially sight-threatening eye conditions later in life.
By slowing the progression of myopia, we aim to reduce these long-term risks. In myopia, the eyeball is longer than normal, which can place additional strain on the retina. As the retina becomes thinner, it may be more vulnerable to tears and, in more serious cases, retinal detachment.
Myopia can lead to:
- Retinal Detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
Ways to effectively control myopia
Orthokeratology Contact Lenses
Additionally, it has been found that spending 1 hour a day in the sun can help reduce the progression of the near-sightedness.
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