Health & Wellbeing with Rowena Beckenham Health & Wellbeing Why early intervention is so crucial for kids with Myopia Myopia, known as short-sightedness, is a condition that results in blurred distance vision. This occurs due to refractive error; a consequence of an elongated eyeball causing distant objects to be focussed in front of rather than on the light-sensitive retina. Low levels of outside activity and light exposure, prolonged near tasks, and having at least one myopic parent all increase the risk of developing myopia. The prevalence of myopia is on the rise globally; the circumstances of modern living have drastically increased myopia risk. Children being introduced to digital devices at an early age has led to increased prolonged periods of up-close visual focussing and reduced time spent outdoors. It’s estimated that over 50 per cent of the global population will be myopic by 2050 – and 40 per cent of Australians already are. Interestingly, Aussie kids living in urban areas are approximately 2.6 times more likely to experience myopia than those living rurally. COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on the progression of childhood myopia as a direct result of extended lockdowns. Uncorrected myopia has a major influence on the quality of life of young people, as poor vision can substantially impact a child’s development as well as scholastic performance. Some 80 per cent of classroom learning is visual and therefore it is extremely important for a myopic child to have the correct care and support they require to thrive. Early detection is also crucial, as each year of delay in developing myopia significantly reduces the risk of a child developing high myopia in adulthood. High myopia leads to a greater risk of developing sight-threatening complications in adulthood; these include myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment, all of which can lead to significantly reduced vision or blindness. Myopia management and intervention needs to start as early as possible, in order to delay the onset and slow the progression of myopia. We recommend that children have their eyes tested regularly, even if there are seemingly no signs or symptoms of visual abnormality. Kids should have their first eye test before they start school, and then every two to three years as they progress through their primary and high school journeys. Unfortunately, in Australia, 30 per cent of Aussie kids have never had their eyes tested. As a parent it is important to be proactive as children themselves may not realise they see things a bit differently to those around them, and in some cases, as with pre-myopia, there may be no symptoms at all. There are several active intervention management options available to help improve eye health in myopic or premyopic kids; certain glasses lenses are available specifically designed for myopia management, and can be worn to correct vision; daily disposable contact lenses are suitable for children due to their soft lens design and disposable nature, and help to correct for myopia while slowing the progression of the condition; low-dose atropine eye drops are administered to children at bedtime to potentially significantly slow the progression of myopia. In addition to visiting your local optometrist, there are several healthy habits to implement at home that can help protect your child’s eyes. Firstly, it is important for kids to have balance in their worlds, for happy eyes this means incorporating outdoor learning and play into their daily routines for 90 minutes every day. All kids should have very limited exposure to hand-held electronic devices, especially infants. If they are using devices, good posture is important, with eyes at least 50 cm from the screen, as is good ambient lighting. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, or just think it’s time for a check-up, book an appointment to see one of our friendly optometrists! Comment supplied by Rowena Beckenham, of Beckenham Optometrist in Avalon (9918 0616). Rowena has been involved in all facets of independent private practice optometry in Avalon for more than 20 years, in addition to working as a consultant to the optometric and pharmaceutical industry, and regularly volunteering in Aboriginal eyecare programs in regional NSW. 60 FEBRUARY <strong>2023</strong> The Local Voice Since 1991
Health & Wellbeing The Local Voice Since 1991 FEBRUARY <strong>2023</strong> 61
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