By: Graham R. Stetson, OD, MS

With cases skyrocketing in recent years, myopia has become a serious public health challenge. Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is more than just a visual complaint. It is a growing global issue that affects millions, blurring the world beyond arm’s reach and increasing the risk for other serious eye conditions.  This may sound dire, but fortunately there are ways to help control its progression and protect our vision for the future. 

The causes of myopia are not fully understood, but they include lifestyle and possibly genetic factors. The most impactful lifestyle factor is limited outdoor activity in childhood. This lack of outdoor time combined with the dramatic rise in screen time (close-up work) is driving the surge in myopia rates. Studies have found children who spend the same time outdoors as their counterparts, but more time on screens are more likely to develop myopia, and in higher amounts.

Unchecked myopia can lead to more than just blurry vision. The higher the amount of myopia, the greater the risk of developing other eye problems, like retinal detachments, glaucoma, as well as certain types of macular degeneration and cataracts. Most of these conditions develop later in life, which means that not controlling myopia in young children can increase their risk of developing serious eye conditions throughout their lives. 

Fortunately, advances in eye care have provided several effective methods for controlling the progression of myopia; including specialized contact lenses or eye drops to slow the progression of myopia in children. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are hard contact lenses that are worn while sleeping, temporarily reshaping the cornea to reduce myopia progression and often eliminate the need for vision correction during the day. There are also soft contact lenses worn during the day and low-dose atropine eye to reduce the development of myopia. Myopia control eyeglasses are also in the process of obtaining FDA approval.

As with most conditions, early intervention is key. Myopia progresses most rapidly in the pre- and early-teenage years and can greatly reduce complications and improve quality of life for those affected. Eye exams are essential for early detection, treatment, and monitoring of myopia. Parents and caregivers can also play a crucial role. By encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and take regular breaks from screen-based activities, they can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia and help put their kids on the path to better vision and ocular health.