Myopia on the Rise: What’s Fueling the Myopia Boom in Children
In recent years, myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children and teenagers.
Myopia causes distant vision to blur, although nearby things are still clear, is now a global public health issue.
This surge is alarming experts such as Dr. Ruchika Kedia, a renowned ophthalmologist in Thane. Understanding the causes, risks, and preventive measures of nearsightedness is crucial for safeguarding the vision of future generations.
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== What is Nearsightedness? ==
Myopia (nearsightedness), is a vision condition that occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the retina.
This leads to difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, making activities like reading a whiteboard or recognizing faces from afar challenging.
The prevalence of myopia has surged due to changes in how children spend time indoors and on screens.
== Why is Myopia Increasing Among Young People? ==
Several factors contribute to the increase of myopia in young individuals:
1. **Increased Screen Time**
Digital device usage is at an all-time high among kids.
Constant screen use affects eye focus and contributes to worsening eyesight.
2. **Reduced Outdoor Activities**
Children need outdoor play to help prevent myopia.
However, limited outdoor time means their eyes don’t benefit from sunlight.
3. **Genetic Predisposition**
Nearsightedness often runs in families.
4. **Poor Visual Habits**
Straining the eyes through poor posture and lighting contributes to myopia.
== Complications Associated with Myopia ==
While basic myopia is typically treatable with corrective lenses, high click here myopia poses serious risks.
Possible complications include:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration
Booking an appointment with a Thane ophthalmologist can protect long-term eye health.
== How to Prevent and Manage Nearsightedness? ==
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1. **Regular Eye Check-ups**
Monitoring vision regularly prevents severe complications.
2. **Encourage Outdoor Activities**
Spending time outside can counterbalance indoor screen exposure.
3. **Follow the 20-20-20 Rule**
This rule reduces eye fatigue.
4. **Proper Lighting and Ergonomics**
Study areas should be well-lit and ergonomically arranged.
5. **Corrective Lenses and Advanced Treatments**
Glasses, contacts, Ortho-K lenses, and atropine drops are all options.
6. **Specialized Myopia Management Programs**
Doctors can design personalized programs to manage myopia.
== When to See a Doctor for Myopia? ==
Frequent eye rubbing, eye strain, or complaints of blurry vision are warning signs.
Getting help early on prevents long-term vision issues.
== Conclusion ==
The rise in childhood myopia is a serious issue worldwide.
The good news is that prevention and control are within reach.
Dr. Ruchika Kedia emphasizes the importance of annual eye exams and lifestyle changes.
Protecting children’s vision today helps them see the world clearly tomorrow.
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