Many school kids suffer from nearsightedness. Ophthalmologist, Dr Nanda Gopal told The Gulf Today that nearly 10 to 20 percent of his child patients have myopia related problems. “A high incidence of myopia in children and the need to wear corrective eyeglasses is rising by the day,” he warned. “Physiological myopia is much more common and is related to the prolonged use of the eye for near work activities,” Dr. Gopal added. (Shamila Jamaluddin,July 29, 2011)
Likewise, Kathryn Rose, a leading international researcher of visual disorders at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences, told CNN that high occurrence of myopia have been found in highly urbanized area wherein there is a particular focus on academic success at a young age. She also mentioned that research indicates that deficiency of sunlight causes myopia. (Greg Hughes and Pauline Chiou, CNN,June 1, 2011)
What is Myopia?
Myopia is the refractive anomaly of the eye. The word is derived from the Greek word "muopia," which means closed eyes. In the myopic eye, the focusing power of the cornea is too great with respect to the length of the eyeball.
Nearsightedness manifests itself as blurred distance vision. Myopic vision prevents the individual from seeing distant objects clearly. Nearsighted children have difficulty reading highway signs but can see for up-close tasks such as computing or reading.
Myopic eye is abnormally long, measured from front to back and disproportionate between the length of the eye and the ability of its lens to focus on an image in the correct location. In congenital myopia, the obstruction along the visual pathway elongates the eye, creating a myopic eye.
The Effects of Myopia
Nearsightedness can bring about unpleasant effects on the daily life of a child. Myopia may cause frequent headaches, and squinting and blinking during close-up activities like reading and computing. Myopic children usually hold their book closer to the face than normal, or will have difficulty reading the text.
Myopia is a highly significant problem because it can contribute to visual morbidity and increase the risk to other conditions such as retinal breaks and glaucoma. The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. Retinal disorders can affect vision, and some can cause blindness.
Nearsightedness or myopia is often a progressive form. At a later age, when vision has already deteriorated, children may be advised to turn to treatments for myopia or corrective lenses for aid.
Types of Myopia in Kids
There are two types of myopia that can occur in children. One is "congenital myopia" that is demonstrated at birth or found to be present before the age of 6 years. It is a type of myopia that is genetically acquired, thus it can be diagnosed in children at a very young age. If both parents are myopic, then the odds that their child will be myopic are as high as 60 percent. If only one parent is nearsighted, the odds could be 20 percent less.
Congenital myopia, also known as infantile myopia, may persist through infancy. On the other hand, “school myopia” usually appears during school years. Generally, nearsightedness occurs in children when they are between ages eight and 12 years old and progresses until about age 20. Myopia often results from stress, and inadequate nutrition. Doing a lot of close work, such as computing and reading in a dimly-lit room may increase the risk.
Good Reading Habits Can Prevent Myopia
One of the causes of myopia is a bad reading habit. When reading, sit in an upright position and keep the distance from your eyes to the reading material about 30 cm at least. On the other hand, when watching television, the safe distance from the eyes to the TV is about 2 meters at least.
The proper reading posture is to sit back with the neck and shoulders well supported. Do not read when in a moving car or in a room with lights that are either dark or glaring. Myopia can be prevented with good lighting when reading. Consistently keeping a distance of 30 cm while reading, and resting at half hour intervals, are good eye care habits. Viewing close up material for extended periods of time, can make the eyes tense and strained.
Good Nutrition and Eye Exercise Makes Better Vision
How to save your child's vision? Eye exercises can reduce the risk to nearsightedness. Have a 30 minutes interval from reading or computing, and during the half hour rest, move the eyes right to left, roll and blink them. These eye exercises will remove strain caused by long near work activities.
Enough sleep and good nutrition could also help prevent myopia. Vitamin A, C, and E are the essential nutrients that help eyes stay healthy. Vitamin A, known as the ultimate eye vitamin, is absolutely essential for a healthy eye and vision. Vitamin A is required by the retina for its proper functions. This can be obtained from fruits and vegetables containing yellow, orange, and dark green pigments such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.
“ . . . there is a belief that outdoor light has a positive effect on vision. Studies confirm a consistent link between the time spent outdoors and the prevention of myopia,“ said Kathryn Rose. Myopic vision can develop because of poor care and nutrition for eyes. Often, the development of myopia on children with normal vision has something to do with how they use their eyes. Kids who spend considerable time reading, working at a computer, or doing other intense close visual work are at greater risk.
Myopia could get worse if ignored. Over time, the condition can lead to other eye diseases. So take care of your children’s eyes.
References:
- Myopia in Children, Popular Science - Feb 1896 - Page 547
- A Treatise on the Diseases of the Eye, John Soelberg Wells, pages 545-552
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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