Myopia, or short-sightedness, is an eye condition in which near objects are seen more clearly than objects that are far away.
People with myopia have poor distance vision. Myopia is also known as ‘near-sightedness’ or ‘short-sightedness’ because people with myopia can still see things clearly that are up close. Myopia is mostly found in children, but adults can have it as well.
In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has grown at an alarming rate. If current trends continue, by the year 2050, roughly half the people on the planet (5 billion people) will be myopic.
Myopia affects approximately 15 percent of the population. It is the most common vision impairment in the world for people under the age of 40.
Although myopia usually stops getting worse around 20 years of age, the condition in children tends to get worse as they grow.
Generally, the younger a child is when they first develop myopia, the faster their vision will deteriorate, and the more severe it is in adulthood.
Studies have shown that when children spend more than two hours a day outdoors (green time) , the risk of myopia is reduced.
That holds true even when both parents have myopia and even when the children continue to do near-work.
While green time is not a direct cure for myopia, it can provide a helpful balance for the developing child. By increasing time outdoors you will reduce time on your digital devices – and promote healthy lifestyle habits.
Contact Hansen Optometrists Parkes to discuss the most suitable treatment with our optometrist. ‘We are locals caring for locals’