Myopia is the most common vision disorder among young people. It is characterized by the difficulty of seeing distant objects clearly, although those that are close can be perfectly appreciated.
It usually manifests itself in children from the age of 5, progressing during the rest of childhood and adolescence. Although genetics is one of its main causes, there are ways to prevent it.
Normally, light is focused precisely on the retina at a place called the focal point. In myopia, an eye is longer from front to back than a normal eye, so light is focused in front of the retina and not directly on it.
This makes it difficult to see objects distant, although the near seem sharp. Among the main symptoms of myopia are:
- Blurred vision or difficulties in looking at distant objects.
- Headaches caused by visual fatigue.
- Need to squint to see clearly.
In the case of children, the signs are usually:
- Persistent squinting.
- Rubbing eyes frequently.
- Blink excessively.
- Not being aware of distant objects.
- Getting too close to screens, blackboards or books.
To treat myopia Glasses or contact lenses can be used to counteract the increased curvature of the cornea or the excessive length of the eye.
You can also opt for surgeries, such as LASIK eye surgery, laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy or photorefractive keratectomy.
- Home remedies to relieve tired eyes
In general In these procedures, the use of lasers is used to reshape the cornea, although even after surgery, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
How to prevent myopia
Whether a child develops myopia depends largely on genetic inheritance. However, in recent years different studies have highlighted the impact that other factors can have on this vision disorder, such as time outdoors, exposure to screens, the use of adequate light and a balanced diet.
Outdoors and close work
A review of studies published in Ophthalmology , found that children with myopia spend almost 4 hours less outdoors than those who do not have this vision disorder.
The authors even pointed out that increasing the time spent abroad for one hour a week could reduce the risk of myopia by 2%.
This association is still present It continues to be investigated, although many experts agree that the protective effect may be due to the high intensity or chromaticity of light outside, or to increased levels of vitamin D (obtained with moderate exposure to sunlight).
Another work published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International highlighted the need for parents, pediatricians and schools to pay special attention to certain risk factors to combat the incidence of myopia in children, such as exposure to sunlight, activities at short visual distances (close work) or increased use of digital media.
The authors pointed out that a person with little exposure to daylight has a 5 times greater risk of developing myopia, which can increase up to 16 times if you also do close-up work.
Impact of screens
A relatively new phenomenon that affects risk factors for myopia is prolonged exposure to screens or digital media. Using these devices requires close work, while limiting the time children spend outdoors.
Currently, Gen Z, also called “digital natives” (born between 1995 and 2000) proved to be the most myopic generational group.
This, according to the specialists, is due to the growing use of mobile devices and digital screens, including during the hours dedicated to studying. It is estimated that those young people who left school at 17 years have better vision than university graduates.
For this reason, it is encouraged to teach the little ones different ways to have fun beyond the screens. Although using electronic devices is not necessarily a cause of myopia, abuse of these can be harmful.
It is advised that children from 0 to 2 years old are not in contact with the screens, from 2 to 5 years old spend one hour a day with them, and from 5 to 12 a maximum of 2 hours per day.
One good diet
A good diet is necessary for children grow up healthy and develop all bodily functions correctly. In the case of myopia, the contribution of vitamins A, C, and E, Omega 3 fatty acids, and minerals such as selenium and zinc, are essential.
You can incorporate these nutrients into the children’s diet with fruits, such as orange, melon or mango, vegetables, such as broccoli, chard or carrots, avocados, cereals, and fish, among other options.
Do not forget
Paying attention to these risk factors is important to combat myopia, but without a doubt the best way to prevent any complications is by making regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
Health professionals can anticipate the appearance of any problem or detect it in time, when the possibilities of cure are greater.
Children must undergo eye screening and vision checkups at 6 months, at 3 years, before starting first grade, and every 2 years during school.
Sources consulted: US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Eye Institute.