ABOUT MYOPIA

WHAT IS MYOPIA?

Myopia is a common eye condition which is also known as ‘short-sightedness’. People with myopia can see clearly up close (e.g. when reading a book or looking at an object), but things in the distance, such as a street sign or television screen, may appear blurry or hard to read.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN RISK FACTORS THAT MAY INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DEVELOPING SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS.

LIFESTYLE

Our modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia.

These include:

  • Low levels of outdoor activity
  • Low levels of light exposure
  • Prolonged time focusing on near objects e.g. computer screens or devices

FAMILY HISTORY

The likelihood of developing myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic (short-sighted).

Children can become myopic (short-sighted) at any stage of childhood.

PARENTS CAN LOOK FOR EARLY SIGNS OF A VISION PROBLEM IN THEIR CHILD SUCH AS:

  • Squinting
  • Head tilt or turn
  • Difficulty with concentration
  • Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness
  • Rubbing the eyes
  • Frequent headaches
  • Sitting close to the TV

Good vision is essential for your child’s learning and development.

Regular eye examinations with an optometrist should be a routine part of your child’s health checks. In addition, spending time outdoors appears to have a protective effect against the onset of myopia, so balancing screen time with green time for children is important.

You can help prevent the onset of myopia by:

Regular eye checks with an optometrist

Spending time outdoors

Taking regular breaks when focusing on near objects for prolonged periods