{"id":34475,"date":"2024-07-26T07:00:20","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T07:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=34475"},"modified":"2024-11-25T23:32:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T23:32:18","slug":"nearsightedness-why-its-on-the-rise-and-the-latest-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/nearsightedness-why-its-on-the-rise-and-the-latest-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearsightedness: Why it\u2019s on the rise and the latest treatments","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you noticed your child squinting to see people or objects in the distance? If so, they may have myopia.<\/p>\n

Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is increasing among both children and adults. In 1971, 25 percent of Americans were nearsighted<\/a>. Now that number has increased to nearly 42 percent. If current trends continue, the World Health Organization<\/a> estimates that approximately half the world\u2019s population is likely to be nearsighted by 2050.<\/p>\n

\u201cMyopia affects quality of life and it can increase the risk of developing eye diseases in adulthood that can lead to blindness,\u201d says Nate Biancardi, OD, a board-certified optometrist<\/a> at MultiCare Rockwood Eye & Optical Center – Downtown<\/a>. \u201cWhile we can\u2019t necessarily prevent myopia, there are things we can do to slow its progression.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is myopia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Myopia is a type of refractive error \u2014 a vision problem that can interfere with how clearly you see.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you have myopia, the shape or length of the eye is causing light to focus in front of the retina, rather than on it,\u201d Dr. Biancardi says. \u201cThe end result is that while you can see clearly up close, objects further away are blurry or fuzzy.\u201d<\/p>\n

While doctors don\u2019t know exactly why myopia occurs, there are several risk factors involved. One is genetics \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, much of what we do is both within arm\u2019s reach and digital,\u201d Dr. Biancardi says. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to affecting how well you see in the present, myopia can negatively impact your long-term vision as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more severe a person\u2019s myopia is, the earlier in life they\u2019re likely to develop cataracts,\u201d Dr. Biancardi says. \u201cMyopia also increases the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, and it makes the retina more susceptible to holes, tears and detachments.\u201d<\/p>\n

When to get an eye exam<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some people may be born with myopia while others develop it over time. If you\u2019re concerned that you or your child may be nearsighted, it\u2019s important to visit an eye care professional<\/a> for an exam. Common symptoms of myopia include:<\/p>\n