What Is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops in childhood and can progress as the child grows. For parents, recognizing the signs of myopia early is crucial because untreated myopia can worsen over time, leading to more severe vision problems later in life.
Myopia is becoming more common among children worldwide, and the rise in digital device usage has been linked to this increase. Studies have shown that children who spend more time indoors, using screens, or focusing on close-up tasks like reading or playing video games are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
Myopia Statistics
According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s estimated that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be affected by myopia, with a significant percentage of those cases starting in childhood. In places like Dubai, where children may spend more time indoors due to the hot climate, the rise in screen time and lack of outdoor play may contribute to the increase in childhood myopia.
In the UAE, recent data has shown that around 30% of children are affected by myopia. This makes it essential for parents to be aware of the signs and take preventive measures if necessary.
Signs That Your Child May Have Myopia
If your child is struggling with myopia, they may exhibit several signs, such as:
- Squinting: Squinting is often a sign that a child is trying to focus on distant objects. If your child squints frequently when looking at the TV or whiteboard, it could be a sign of myopia.
- Sitting Too Close to Screens: If your child consistently sits too close to the TV, holds books or screens too close to their face, or struggles to see objects that are far away, these could be signs of nearsightedness.
- Complaining of Headaches: Frequent headaches, especially after prolonged visual tasks like reading or using a tablet, may indicate eye strain, which is common in children with myopia.
- Difficulty Seeing the Board in School: If your child is having trouble seeing things in the distance, such as a classroom whiteboard, it’s important to get their vision checked.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia is often caused by genetic factors. If one or both parents are nearsighted, the likelihood of their child developing myopia is significantly higher. However, environmental factors such as excessive screen time and limited outdoor activities have also been linked to the development of myopia in children.
When a child’s eye grows longer than normal from front to back, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This elongated shape of the eye is what leads to nearsightedness.
How Is Myopia Treated?
The good news is that myopia is treatable. The most common treatments include:
- Glasses or Contact Lenses: Children with myopia often need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Glasses are typically recommended for younger children, but as they get older, contact lenses may become a more convenient option.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed contact lenses that reshape the cornea overnight, temporarily correcting myopia for the next day.
- Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors, limiting screen time, and taking regular breaks from close-up work can help slow the progression of myopia.
Where to Find Quality Medical Lenses for Children with Myopia
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, it’s essential to invest in high-quality medical lenses to ensure their vision is properly corrected. Adasat Branded Glasses offers a wide range of medical lenses from top brands that are designed to provide clear, comfortable vision for children with myopia. These lenses are crafted using the latest technology to ensure superior eye protection and long-lasting durability.
