Nearsightedness: Why it’s on the rise and the latest treatments

Have you noticed your child squinting to see people or objects in the distance? If so, they may have myopia.

Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is increasing among both children and adults. In 1971, 25 percent of Americans were nearsighted. Now that number has increased to nearly 42 percent. If current trends continue, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately half the world’s population is likely to be nearsighted by 2050.

“Myopia affects quality of life and it can increase the risk of developing eye diseases in adulthood that can lead to blindness,” says Nate Biancardi, OD, a board-certified optometrist at MultiCare Rockwood Eye & Optical Center – Downtown. “While we can’t necessarily prevent myopia, there are things we can do to slow its progression.”

What is myopia?

Myopia is a type of refractive error — a vision problem that can interfere with how clearly you see.

When light enters the eye, it should focus directly on the retina. This layer of the eye has cells that detect light and transform it into electrical signals. The brain then uses those signals to interpret what you see.

“When you have myopia, the shape or length of the eye is causing light to focus in front of the retina, rather than on it,” Dr. Biancardi says. “The end result is that while you can see clearly up close, objects further away are blurry or fuzzy.”

While doctors don’t know exactly why myopia occurs, there are several risk factors involved. One is genetics — myopia tends to run in families. Other factors are environmental and behavioral, and are likely contributing to the steep increase of myopia diagnoses in recent years.

“Today, much of what we do is both within arm’s reach and digital,” Dr. Biancardi says. “We spend a lot of time on our computers, tablets and phones, and less time outside, and those lifestyle factors play a role in the development of myopia as well as how quickly it progresses.”

In addition to affecting how well you see in the present, myopia can negatively impact your long-term vision as well.

“The more severe a person’s myopia is, the earlier in life they’re likely to develop cataracts,” Dr. Biancardi says. “Myopia also increases the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, and it makes the retina more susceptible to holes, tears and detachments.”

When to get an eye exam

Some people may be born with myopia while others develop it over time. If you’re concerned that you or your child may be nearsighted, it’s important to visit an eye care professional for an exam. Common symptoms of myopia include:

• Squinting or failing to see objects in the distance
• Frequent headaches
• Sitting close to a screen or holding an electronic device close to the face to properly view it
• Feeling fatigue when doing activities that require distance vision, such as driving or playing sports
• Poor academic performance

“Myopia is typically diagnosed in the early elementary or teen years,” says Dr. Biancardi. “I recommend getting children in for an eye exam before kindergarten — particularly if you are a parent who wears glasses or contacts. It’s best to detect myopia early when we can slow it down.”

Slowing the progression of myopia

Traditionally, myopia is treated through the use of corrective glasses or contacts, or in some cases refractive surgery (for those 18 and over). However, Dr. Biancardi, who specializes in myopia management, shares that there are therapies available that can ease the progression of myopia in children.

“Myopia naturally gets worse over time,” he says. “So taking steps now to slow that progression down can make a big difference in your child’s eye health throughout their lifespan.”

Myopia control therapies include:

Low-dose atropine eye drops. Given over the course of two to three years, these eye drops may slow the progression of myopia by changing the way light hits the eye.

Specialized contact lenses. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, worn only at night, can limit the progression of myopia by flattening the cornea, helping to focus light in the correct spot. Another type of contact lens, multifocal, may slow myopia by blurring peripheral (side) vision. A third option is a soft contact lens produced by CooperVision that both corrects nearsightedness and slows the progression of myopia.

Dr. Biancardi shares that many patients who have been fitted with these soft contact lenses — some as young as 6 — have experienced positive results.

What you can do to curb myopia

While you can’t prevent myopia, there are steps you can take that may delay onset of this condition or keep it from getting worse.

Spend time outdoors. Research shows that spending time outside during daylight hours can reduce the risk of developing myopia. Encourage your child to spend two hours or more each day playing outside.

“While the connection between outdoor time and myopia is still being explored, it’s likely that being outdoors gives our eyes more opportunities to focus on things or people in the distance,” Dr. Biancardi says.

Limit screen time. Too much screen time can strain the eyes, interfere with sleep and negatively impact mood. Screen time recommendations vary according to age. Keep in mind that you may need to account for time your child spends on devices during the school day.

Take eye breaks. The organization Vision Center recommends following the 20-20-20 rule when doing close-up work for prolonged periods of time: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.