Myopia in Children Growing at Alarming Rates

The majority (69%) of New Zealand (with children 0-17-years old) parents do not know what child myopia is and alarmingly, only 12% of parents recognise the health risk that their children might develop later in life from myopia. Auckland optometrist and National Clinical Manager for Matthews Eyewear Eyecare, Adele Jefferies, is calling on parents to be aware of myopia, the risk factors and that it can be managed.

Adele says, “Myopia, or short-sightedness causes blured distance vision, usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until a child stops growing. However, there are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia: lifestyle and family history.”

Adele adds, “To slow the progression of myopia, and reduce longer term eye health issues, myopia needs to be managed. There are many evidence-based options now available which can slow the progression of myopia. High myopia is associated with eye health risks later in life so reducing the prevalence and impact of myopia and understanding influencing factors is critical.”

Myopia is forecast to reach epidemic proportions globally. Alarmingly, increases in the global prevalence of myopia and high myopia (a refractive error*of at least -5.00D in either eye) mean that by 2020, it is estimated that 2 billion people worldwide will be affected. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia.

Lifestyle: modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia. These include:
• Low levels of outdoor activity and associated factors including:
• Low levels of light exposure
• Prolonged near tasks such as reading and gaming on portable devices

Family history: The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic.14 However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain.15
For parents who are concerned that their child might be myopic, or at risk of developing myopia, Adele has this advice. “The first step is to have your child’s eyes tested. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, it is important that you talk with your Optometrist about, not only correcting the immediate sight issue, but importantly what can be done to slow progression of myopia.

“Being informed and having a discussion with your Optometrist around the best way to manage your child’s myopia is a critical first step,” says Adele
For further information about child myopia talk to your Optometrist.

KEY NEW ZEALAND STATISTICS:16
A recent survey looking at parental understanding and perceptions around child myopia in New Zealand shows:
• 77% of parents of children under 12 years old believe being prescribed glasses is the best course of action if a primary school age child is diagnosed with myopia. In fact, there are many treatment options that should be discussed when managing myopia.
• Almost half (46%) of New Zealand parents of children aged 17 years and under admit they do not know what causes myopia.
• Only 10% of parents know of the lifestyle factors that have an impact on child myopia (low levels of outdoor activity, low levels of light exposure, prolonged near tasks such as reading and gaming on portable devices).
• 28% of New Zealand kids (17 years and under) have never been to have an eye test.
• 40% of New Zealand children have not been to an Optometrist to have an eye test before their ninth birthday.

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