Understanding the Rise in Myopia Among Children
Myopia, or nearsightedness, has been on the rise among children across the U.S., and the causes go beyond genetics. While some children are predisposed to needing glasses because of hereditary factors, the sharp increase in myopia cases over the past 30 years cannot be fully explained by genetics alone. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye doctor based in Versailles, Kentucky, the culprit behind this epidemic may be something more pervasive: “near-point stress.”
Near-point stress is a term used to describe the strain placed on the eyes due to prolonged close-up activities such as reading, writing, or staring at screens. In today’s digital world, children spend a large portion of their day engaging in these activities, whether it be in school or during leisure time on smartphones or tablets. This cultural shift, combined with reduced outdoor play, is placing an unprecedented burden on children’s visual systems.
The Impact of Near-Point Stress
To understand the effects of near-point stress, consider a 1968 study of pre-literate adult Eskimos. In this study, only two adults were nearsighted, yet among their school-aged children, an astounding 60% developed myopia. This stark contrast highlights the role that modern education and technology play in shaping visual health.
In today’s classrooms, children spend up to 70% of their time engaged in close-up tasks. Whether reading, writing, or using computers, their visual systems are constantly under strain. Combine this with the increasing use of small screens, and the issue intensifies. Over time, this stress affects the eye’s focusing muscles, leading to changes in the shape of the eyeball, which results in myopia.
Meanwhile, children are also spending less time outdoors and moving around. Physical activity, particularly outdoor play, is essential for healthy visual development. Being outdoors stimulates peripheral vision, which helps mitigate the progression of myopia by balancing the visual demands on the eyes.
The Two Pathways of Vision
There are two primary pathways through which our eyes transmit information to the brain: the focal (parvocellular) pathway and the ambient (magnocellular) pathway. The focal pathway allows us to concentrate on fine details and close-up tasks, while the ambient pathway governs our peripheral vision and movement in space.
When children spend the majority of their day stimulating only the focal pathway—whether in class or on devices—this creates an imbalance. The ambient pathway becomes underutilized, contributing to visual stress, which can lead to myopia.
Solutions for Preventing and Managing Myopia
Thankfully, there are strategies that can help slow down or even stop the progression of myopia in children. Dr. Graebe recommends the “5-2-1 protocol” as a simple yet effective remedy. This protocol involves:
- 5: Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal nutrition.
- 2: Limiting screen time to two hours or less per day to reduce eye strain.
- 1: Encouraging children to spend at least one hour outdoors daily to stimulate their peripheral vision and prevent myopia.
When it comes to eyeglasses, traditional lenses only compensate for nearsightedness without addressing the underlying causes, meaning the condition may continue to worsen over time. However, Dr. Graebe prescribes therapeutic lenses and prisms designed to reduce eye stress and even improve vision. In some cases, these lenses have not only stopped the progression of myopia but have restored children’s vision to 20/20.
A Brighter Future for Children’s Vision
If you are concerned about your child’s vision or notice them struggling with nearsightedness, it is important to act early. Regular eye check-ups, implementing the 5-2-1 protocol, and considering therapeutic lenses are key to protecting and improving children’s visual health.
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, we specialize in pediatric eye care and vision therapy. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are dedicated to helping children across Central and Southern Kentucky reach their full visual potential.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn how we can help your child see clearly.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.