Understanding the rise of Myopia among children: Causes, risks, and prevention tips
Siddhartha Jana
Myopia, or shortsightedness, is on the rise among children worldwide, with projections indicating that 40% of children (approximately 740 million) will have myopia by 2050.
Source: Canva
Myopia occurs when the eyeball becomes longer than usual, causing light to focus wrongly on the retina and resulting in fuzzy distance vision.
Source: Canva
The illness has both genetic and environmental causes, with excessive screen time and extended close-up focus being major contributors to its onset.
Source: Canva
Spending more time outside, particularly 1-2 hours each day, may delay the onset of myopia, possibly due to sunlight's function in generating dopamine, which slows eye growth.
Source: Canva
Advanced myopia management procedures include orthokeratology (ortho-K) contact lenses and atropine eye drops, both of which effectively decrease myopia progression.
Source: Canva
High myopia raises the risk of serious eye disorders such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy, which can cause permanent vision loss.
Source: Canva
Squinting to see distant objects or holding screens or books too near to the eyes are signs that a child may have myopia.
Source: Canva
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and personalised treatment strategies to manage myopia, prevent progression, and safeguard long-term eye health.
Source: Canva
HEPA filters: Key to cleaner indoor air and better respiratory health