Myopia is an extremely common refractive error that causes blurred distance vision. The onset of myopia typically occurs during their youth, but it can worsen each year until maturity. Among the risk factors for childhood myopia are heredity, way of life, and visual habits. 

Typically, nearsightedness can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. However, these standard lenses do nothing to halt the progression of myopia. 

Standard single-vision corrective lenses are ineffective at preventing the progression of myopia. In fact, progression is more probable if the lens prescriptions are too feeble or under-prescribed. 

Myopia progression indicates that the blurriness of vision continues to worsen. It can contribute to high myopia (severe myopia) if left untreated during childhood. Extreme myopia is a cause for concern because it can lead to even more severe vision problems in maturity, such as blindness. 

It is essential to diagnose myopia in young children. Myopia control strategies can be used to limit progression and prevent severe myopia if detected early enough. And not all children will exhibit evident myopia symptoms. This is one reason why all children must undergo routine eye exams.

Causes of childhood myopia.

Frequently, parents are concerned about the causes of myopia and question whether their children are at risk. This can be a specific concern for parents with nearsightedness. 

Although the precise cause of myopia is unknown, there are several known risk factors. A child may be susceptible to myopia due to one or more of the following: 

• Genetics
• Environmental considerations 
• Visual habits

How to reduce your child’s myopia risk.

“Go outside and play!” is one of the greatest things you can say to your child to reduce their risk of myopia.

Multiple studies indicate that increasing the amount of time children spend outdoors may prevent or slow the progression of myopia. In addition, there is evidence that time spent outdoors may have a greater impact than both genetics and proximity to employment.

According to research, outdoor exposure to natural sunlight may influence the development of the eyes. The eye’s axial length is the most prevalent cause of blurred distance vision. This is the extent of the eye from front to back; if it grows too long, myopia develops. 

According to studies, exposure to sunlight outdoors (or absence thereof) is associated with this growth. The average axial length of the eyeballs of children who spend more time outdoors grows at a slower rate. 

Outdoor activity has also been demonstrated to reduce the risk of myopia in children who are not already nearsighted. And it has been demonstrated to slow the progression of myopia in children. 

It is also crucial to ensure that your child receives routine eye exams. Myopia typically begins in childhood and its progression peaks during childhood. 

Myopia control methods are effective, but only if they are implemented early. It is essential, therefore, that myopia be detected and diagnosed early. However, remember that many children will not exhibit evident signs of myopia or complain of symptoms.