Health professionals across the country are becoming increasingly concerned about the rise in myopia, especially among children. With more kids spending hours indoors staring at screens—whether from TVs, tablets, or smartphones—this lifestyle is contributing not only to childhood obesity but also to a lesser-known but equally alarming problem: the myopia epidemic, commonly known as nearsightedness.
Myopia on the Rise: Alarming Statistics
In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans aged 25-54 were diagnosed with myopia. By the turn of the century, that number had soared to 42%. Internationally, countries like Singapore have seen even more drastic increases, where more than 80% of young people are now myopic.
While prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct nearsightedness, extreme cases of myopia in adults can significantly increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, both of which are leading causes of blindness in the U.S.
Why Myopia is Increasing
According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a specialist in pediatric eye care and developmental optometry, the rise in myopia is partly a result of the modern lifestyle, particularly the increased time spent on close-up work like reading, using computers, and doing schoolwork.
The key problem lies in how the eye sends information to the brain through two main pathways. The central pathway helps us recognize what objects are, while the peripheral pathway tells us where those objects are. When children spend excessive time on close-up tasks, they develop focal vision at the expense of their peripheral vision. This imbalance leads to an over-reliance on glasses for seeing objects at a distance.
What Can Parents Do?
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of myopia in children. Here are some of Dr. Graebe’s top recommendations for parents:
- Eye Stretches (Yoga for the Eyes): Encourage children to perform eye exercises that help balance their vision and reduce the strain from close-up work.
- The 20-20-20 Rule: Teach children to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of near work. This simple practice helps relax the eyes and reduce eye strain.
- Get Outside and Play: Outdoor playtime is crucial. Research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Natural light and looking at distant objects give the eyes a much-needed break from close-up work.
Myopia Screening and Treatment Options
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe offers specialized near-point testing, which is not part of the routine eye chart exams. These tests can detect early signs of myopia and help prevent its progression. Additionally, children can benefit from reading lenses, which are designed to reduce visual stress and the risk of developing nearsightedness.
One success story is that of a young patient from Lexington. This child had been struggling with headaches and difficulty seeing the board at school. After a near-point test, Dr. Graebe discovered the early stages of myopia. With early intervention, including reading glasses and outdoor activity recommendations, the child’s vision stabilized, preventing further deterioration.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Don’t wait for your child’s vision to worsen. Early detection and prevention can make all the difference. If you live in the greater Lexington area or Southern Kentucky, consider scheduling an eye exam with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are one of the only pediatric specialty practices offering advanced eye care for children.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.