The Increasing Prevalence of Near-Sightedness in Children: What You Should Know

I recall the day when my school nurse informed me that I needed glasses in fifth grade. During routine vision and scoliosis screenings, I was flagged and handed a bright yellow paper to take home to my mom. That paper felt like a mark of shame—after all, none of my classmates wore glasses. Back then, glasses were a source of embarrassment, and simply walking through the school hallways with that notice felt daunting.

I also vividly remember getting my first pair of glasses and realizing I could finally see the individual leaves on trees; before that, all I could make out was a blurry green mass. I was diagnosed with “near-sightedness,” or myopia.

Despite my childhood belief that glasses were rare, myopia is actually quite prevalent. Approximately half of the global population is affected by it, and this figure is likely increasing. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has observed that “[s]tudies show myopia is becoming more common among children.” To delve deeper into this issue, we reached out to Dr. Jamie Carter, an Optometric Director at a local health group, to share important information for parents regarding myopia.

Understanding Myopia

In individuals with myopia, the eyeball is elongated from front to back. This causes distant objects to appear blurry while close ones remain clear. Children with myopia may squint, frequently rub their eyes, or express difficulty seeing faraway things. The AAO advises parents to be vigilant for these symptoms, as children often adapt to changes in vision and may not voice their concerns. They might not even realize that they should be able to see the details of leaves on trees, for example.

If left untreated, myopia can lead to more severe eye problems later in life, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Is Myopia Increasing Among Children?

Both the AAO and Dr. Carter confirm that myopia rates in children are on the rise, although the reasons remain somewhat unclear. Modern lifestyle factors are likely contributing. Research indicates that children who spend more time indoors engaged in near-focused activities—like computer use, video games, and reading—exhibit higher rates of myopia compared to those who spend more time outside. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, forcing children indoors and onto screens for school and social interaction. The AAO has noted that some eye care professionals are observing a rise in new cases since the pandemic began, and children already diagnosed with myopia are experiencing rapid deterioration in their eyesight.

Dr. Carter also points to research that suggests certain types of light and genetic factors may accelerate the elongation of the eye, thereby increasing the risk of myopia.

Treatment Options for Myopia

Fortunately, myopia is manageable, though it cannot be reversed. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, or even surgical interventions. The key is early detection, as Dr. Carter explains, stating that many eye conditions can be modified or their severity reduced if identified early. Parents should schedule annual eye exams for their children, beginning with routine check-ups at their pediatrician. If myopia is detected, follow-up visits to a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist are crucial.

To help slow the progression of myopia, parents should encourage outdoor play and limit screen time. However, given today’s challenges—like ongoing pandemic concerns, environmental issues, and extreme weather—this can be easier said than done.

In an article shared by the AAO, pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Lisa Jones recommends strategies for optimizing children’s eye health, such as:

Encouraging the use of larger screens positioned further away.
Implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
Ensuring at least an hour of outdoor activity, which not only reduces screen time but also allows children’s eyes to focus on varying distances.

While wearing glasses may not carry the same stigma it once did, protecting children’s eye health is vital for their overall well-being and academic success. I can personally attest to the difference clear vision makes—transforming blurry green blobs into vibrant leaves.

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The Increasing Prevalence of Near-Sightedness in Children: What You Should Know

Understanding Myopia

Is Myopia Increasing Among Children?

Treatment Options for Myopia

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