Blurry Horizons: The Surge of Nearsightedness Among Children

Posted on November 2, 2023 in Vision Health

In an era dominated by screens and digital devices, the eyes of our youth face brand new challenges. A concerning trend is emerging – a rise in vision and eye problems among young people. From myopia (nearsightedness) to digital eye strain, understanding the reasons behind these issues is the first step toward prevention and effective treatment.

The rise of nearsightedness in children

Young eyes today are constantly looking at screens, be it smartphones, computers, tablets, or televisions. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children spend between four and six hours each day in front of screens and teens spend approximately nine hours a day. Most medical experts agree the hours spent glued to these devices have contributed significantly to the rise in myopia.

Additionally, lack of outdoor activities has been linked to the increasing prevalence of nearsightedness among children. The relationship between being outdoors and a lower risk of nearsightedness is not fully understood, but it may have to do with exposure to bright sunlight and the dopamine released in response. According to a study from the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, dopamine stops axial elongation, which is known to have an increased risk of developing eye diseases.

Moreover, digital eye strain, a condition caused by prolonged use of digital devices, is becoming increasingly common, leading to symptoms like dry eyes, eye fatigue, and blurry vision.

Reasons behind the increase of nearsightedness in children

While time in front of screens is a major reason children are experiencing more vision problems, other environmental factors are also at play:

1. Limited outdoor activities: Insufficient time spent outdoors, especially during childhood, is associated with a higher risk of myopia. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least one hour of physical activity for children each day.
2. Genetic factors: Family history plays a role in determining the likelihood of developing vision problems. If you were diagnosed with vision problems at a young age, your children may be at a higher risk of developing problems.
3. Poor diet: Poor nutrition, specifically the lack of eye-healthy nutrients like vitamin A, can impact vision. Make sure your child is consuming a nutritious diet, especially leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, and foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon.
4. Lack of eye care: Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of vision issues for children and adults alike. The American Optometric Association recommends the following comprehensive eye exam schedule for children:

• Between six and 12 months: Baseline eye examination
• Between three and five years: At least one exam 
• Six years and beyond: Annual comprehensive eye exams

Pro tip: Vision insurance, like DeltaVision, makes it easier to keep your entire family’s vision healthy.  

Preventing nearsightedness and other vision problems in your children

By understanding the contributing factors and taking preventive measures such as limiting screen time, encouraging activities outside, and seeing an eye doctor regularly, you can protect your children’s eye health.

For more information about protecting your vision, check out “Sunseekers: Protect Your Eyes”.