Myopia is becoming increasingly common worldwide, and the prevalence of myopia in children in particular, is rising at an alarming rate. Understanding myopia in children is crucial because if left untreated, it can lead to severe vision impairment.

The Prevalence of Myopia in Children

The prevalence of myopia in children is on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2050, half of the world's population will be myopic. This is a significant increase from the current statistics. The highest rates of myopia are seen in East Asian countries like China, Korea, and Japan, where the prevalence of myopia in school-age children can be as high as 80 to 90 percent. The increasing prevalence of myopia in children is a major concern because it can lead to serious ocular complications later in life.

Symptoms and Signs of Myopia in Kids

The main symptom of myopia in children is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. This often becomes apparent in school when a child struggles to see the board, watch a movie, or participate in sports activities. However, myopia can also present with other symptoms such as squinting, headaches due to eye strain, and rubbing the eyes frequently.

Children may not always be aware that their vision is not as good as it should be. They may assume that everyone sees the world the way they do. Therefore, they may not complain about their vision or realize that they are having difficulty seeing things at a distance. This is why regular eye examinations are crucial in children.

It's also important to watch out for signs of myopia in your child. If you notice that your child is sitting too close to the television, holding books very close while reading, or squinting when trying to see distant objects, it's time to schedule an eye exam.

Risks and Complications of Untreated Myopia

The risks and complications of untreated myopia in children can be serious and long-lasting. Myopia is not just about blurry vision and the inconvenience of wearing glasses. High degrees of myopia can lead to a range of ocular health problems later in life such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. These conditions can cause significant vision loss and even blindness.

Children with high degrees of myopia are at a greater risk of developing these serious conditions. The earlier a child becomes myopic, the more likely they are to develop high myopia and associated complications.

Treatment Options for Myopia in Children

There are several treatment options available for myopia in children. The most common are glasses and contact lenses, which work by refocusing light onto the retina. However, these treatments do not slow down the progression of myopia.

There are now several treatments available that aim to slow the progression of myopia in children. These include atropine eye drops, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, and multifocal contact lenses or glasses.

Atropine eye drops have been shown to effectively slow down the progression of myopia in children. Ortho-K lenses are specially designed contact lenses that are worn overnight to reshape the cornea and correct myopia. Multifocal lenses have different powers in different zones of the lens to correct myopia and slow its progression.

It's important to discuss these treatment options with your child's optometrist to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

The seriousness of myopia in kids should not be underestimated. It's not just about needing glasses to see clearly. Myopia, particularly high myopia, can lead to serious ocular complications that can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

For more information on myopia in children and treatment options, contact Optometry Medical Group at our offices in Seattle, Washington. Please call (206) 322-6915 for our Rainier office or (206) 395-2285 for our Madison office to schedule an appointment today.