What are some common signs of vision problems in children reported by parents before receiving a myopia diagnosis?
A
Squinting while reading or watching TV, frequent headaches, holding objects close to the face, poor school performance or shortened attention span.
Q
Can Myopia affect my child’s eye health?
A
If left untreated over time myopia can put the eyes at risk for a number of vision-threatening conditions including retinal detachment, early cataract development, macular degeneration, glaucoma and even blindness.
Q
Do computers, tablets, and phones affect vision?
A
Individuals who spend considerable time engaged in "near" activities, like reading, working at a computer or using hand-held electronics, may be more likely to develop myopia. There is abounding literature supporting the correlation between myopia preogression and excessive screen time/near work. A new study appearing in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers further evidence that at least part of the worldwide increase in nearsightedness has to do with near work activities; not just screens but also traditional books. And, that spending time outdoors -- especially in early childhood -- can slow the progression of nearsightedness. It remains unclear whether the rise in nearsightedness is due to focusing on phones all the time, or to light interacting with our circadian rhythms to influence eye growth, or none of the above.
Q
What can I do to reduce my child’s risk of developing myopia?
A
Parents should know that by taking simple steps, such as limiting time on digital devices, getting more sunlight outdoors, as well as scheduling an in-person, comprehensive eye exam, they can help reduce the risk of developing myopia.