Blog vol 3. 4. Are we being a bit short-sighted here?
“Short sightedness has become an epidemic.” That is the title to a recent article in The Economist.
As I was growing up, all my older siblings wore glasses, so I wasn’t too surprised when, at 14 years old, a kindly optometrist asked, “which is better, one or two?, ”and I came away with a different perspective…
Trees have leaves, there are blades of grass, wow.
Research shows that there is a large genetic component to myopia, as my family will attest.
Research also shows that environment also plays a key role in myopia. Nature or nurture?
Both. The problem with myopia is more than just having to wear glasses or contacts, but increased risk of retinal detachment and maculopathy (problems, especially as you age).
Changing our genetic code is very difficult and not necessarily desirable; modifying our environment is somewhat easier. An Economist article on myopia (see
here) points out that the emphasis in a lot of Southeast Asian countries has been on the environmental component of myopia development in children. This is something to consider.
Some tips:
Get your child’s eyes checked, a full eye exam, as early as 6 months of age.
Watch for symptoms: squinting, eye turns, or headaches.
Reduce screen time; have your children hold their screens out further.
Get them outside.
Regular eye exams to track possible myopia development. There is a window of time, from about 6 to 15 years of age where myopia can be slowed down.
If myopia is developing quickly, then myopia control is available in the form of atropine drops, or specialty spectacle lenses and contact lenses. Your optometrist will discuss options and the best fit for your child and family.
As the Economist article states, daylight and outdoor light play more of a role in keeping myopia under control than previously thought. So put the screens down, and enjoy the great outdoors (with UV block, of course).
Have a myopia arresting summer.
Til next week,
the good doctor
