When it comes to the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness), the statistics are staggering. By 2050, nearly half of the world's population — about 5 billion people — is projected to be myopic. Here are a few useful tips to help you prevent your child from being part of that statistic.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye elongates, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it when looking at something far away. People with myopia perceive distant objects as blurred while close-up objects remain clear.

Myopia tends to develop during childhood, mainly between the ages of 8–18. It can worsen slowly or quickly. People with progressive myopia are more likely to develop serious eye diseases like cataracts, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma later in life.

How to Know Whether Your Child Is Myopic

• Blurred distance vision — kids may complain they can't see the board at school
• Headaches from uncorrected myopia causing eye strain
• Head tilting or squinting while watching TV or looking at distant objects
• Moving closer to the TV or squinting when trying to read distant writing

What Parents Can Do to Slow Their Child's Myopia Progression

• Encourage your child to go outdoors for at least 90 minutes a day, preferably in the sunshine. Studies show outdoor play reduces the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends staring at a screen or doing close work.
• Teach the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a break to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

How We Can Help

Certain eye doctors offer myopia control or myopia management treatments, including orthokeratology, bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, and low-dose atropine eye drops. Regular eyeglasses and contacts correct myopia but often don't prevent its progression.

If your child shows signs of myopia, schedule an eye exam with Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio as soon as possible. Call (937) 228-2020.