The 101: what is myopia? What is short-sightedness? What can we do to prevent it getting bad?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has become increasingly prevalent among children, especially with our modern, screen-centric lifestyles. This condition, where distant objects appear blurred while close ones are seen clearly, arises when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved. Early identification and management of myopia are crucial, particularly during the growth and development years, to prevent more severe vision issues later in life.
Understanding why myopia progresses is key to managing it effectively. One of the primary culprits is prolonged near work, such as reading or screen time, which puts a strain on young eyes. This lifestyle change, coupled with a lack of outdoor activities, limits exposure to natural light, which is vital for healthy eye development. Genetics also play a significant role; if one or both parents are nearsighted, the likelihood of their children developing myopia increases. Beyond these factors, there are also environmental and lifestyle issues at play, such as low levels of physical activity and inadequate nutrition, which can further contribute to the condition.
Addressing myopia isn’t just a one-time fix; it involves ongoing healthcare and long-term commitment. This is why all of our Myopia management services are only available as part of our specialist eyeplan options. However, there is good news: lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact on the development and progression of myopia. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, limiting screen time, close distance study durations and ensuring regular breaks during close-up tasks like reading can all contribute to healthier vision and overall well-being. It’s our evolving lifestyles—more indoor activities and screen usage—that have led to this modern-day surge in myopia cases.
At Eyediology Opticians, we understand the importance of effective myopia management and offer advanced solutions tailored to your child’s needs. Our offerings include MiYosmart lenses, MiSight contact lenses, and Ortho-K (Night lenses & OK lenses). Each of these options is designed to slow down the progression of myopia, providing your child with clearer vision and a brighter future. Click the brand names to learn more about each one and take the first step towards comprehensive myopia management today.
