Winter break is undoubtedly a paradise for children. With parents busy working during the day and unable to supervise their children, coupled with cold weather outside, these little ones often spend entire days engrossed in iPads and other electronic devices indoors. After a winter break, they frequently experience blurred vision. Ophthalmologists warn that the prevalence of myopia among younger students is steadily increasing, urging parents to prevent and slow the progression of myopia in children.
Myopia is primarily linked to genetics and improper eye usage
In the days leading up to the winter break's end, many parents brought their children for eye exams and glasses fittings. Some parents found it puzzling: their child and the neighbor's child were classmates, and both had similar reading and homework postures. Why did only their child develop myopia?Dr. Kuang Lihui, Director of Ophthalmology at Guangzhou First People's Hospital, explains that the causes of myopia are complex, involving both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Additionally, nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in trace elements can contribute to its progression.
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of myopia. Pathological myopia is generally considered an autosomal recessive trait, while simple myopia involves multifactorial inheritance.Regarding environmental factors, scientists have demonstrated through animal studies that improper eye usage is a major cause of myopia in many individuals.
"Many students hunch over their homework, keeping their heads very low for extended periods. This restricted posture can easily lead to myopia. Additionally, reading in dimly lit areas or with unclear text causes blurred images on the retina, which can also contribute to myopia over time.Especially now with the prevalence of electronic devices, excessive eye strain can easily disrupt and weaken the eye's accommodation function." Distinguishing Between Pseudomyopia and True Myopia to Prevent Overcorrection in Prescription Glasses When parents notice their children frequently blinking or squinting, they often worry about myopia. However, they breathe a sigh of relief upon learning it's pseudomyopia.What exactly is the difference between pseudomyopia and true myopia?
Kuang Lihui explains that pseudomyopia is not actually myopia, but rather a functional state of spasm in the accommodation mechanism. Under normal circumstances, when the human eye views nearby objects, it must adjust to see clearly.The closer the object, the greater the required adjustment. When children stare at nearby objects for extended periods, excessive and prolonged use of this adjustment mechanism causes delayed relaxation when shifting focus to distant objects. This prolonged adjustment response time leads to reduced distance vision.
True myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, typically refers to axial myopia caused by elongation of the eyeball. This prevents distant objects from focusing accurately on the retina to form a clear image, and vision does not return to normal even after relaxation of the accommodative function. "In distinguishing between true and false myopia, false myopia resolves with adequate rest for the eyes, dilation of the pupils, and relaxation of the accommodative function, restoring normal distance vision.In contrast, with true myopia, dilated pupils result in even poorer distance vision."
Kuang Lihui advises that when children squint or blink frequently while viewing distant objects, prompt vision testing at a hospital is essential. Many opticians outside hospitals may be unreliable, so overcorrection during refraction and prescription must be strictly guarded against.
Glasses remain the optimal solution for genuine myopia
Parents often feel anxious when their child develops genuine myopia, reluctant to have them wear glasses too early. Kuang Lihui emphasizes that after myopia is diagnosed, prompt dilated eye examination at a reputable hospital is essential. The best approach is fitting appropriate eyeglasses, as they offer the safest, most economical, and most effective solution.
Older children with prescriptions below 600 degrees may also consider orthokeratology lenses under medical supervision. However, this treatment is costly and requires long-term consistent use to be effective. Due to its complex fitting process and potential for serious complications with improper use, orthokeratology must be strictly controlled and fitted by qualified medical professionals in a healthcare setting.
Some parents, eager to free their children from glasses, inquire about laser refractive surgery. Kuang Lihui cautions that such procedures have specific indications: patients should not be too young, typically requiring at least 18 years of age, and must be free of other potential eye conditions.As for claims by unlicensed practitioners that vision can be corrected through medication, acupuncture, qigong, or massage, these methods lack scientific basis. They cannot reverse the elongation of the eyeball's axial length, rendering them ineffective for treating axial myopia.■ Tips
Good Eye Care Habits
Ophthalmologists advise parents that preventing myopia in children requires establishing sound visual habits.
1. Avoid excessive eye strain: Limit continuous screen time. After one hour of sustained visual activity, take a 5-10 minute break. Ensure adequate sleep and limit TV/video game usage.
2. Correct poor habits: Develop proper reading and writing posture. Avoid close-up work, reading in moving vehicles, walking while reading, or reading in bed.
4. Schedule regular vision checkups. Adolescents should undergo examinations every six months to detect vision decline promptly and receive prescription eyewear if necessary.
5. Individuals with high myopia should avoid diving and other strenuous sports to prevent retinal hemorrhage or detachment.
6. Maintain physical and mental well-being through a regular lifestyle, exercise, and overall fitness enhancement.
7. Adopt balanced dietary habits. Avoid picky eating. Consume foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, animal liver, fish, and eggs.