Does online learning increase the risk of nearsightedness in children?
Over the past two years, we’ve all had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; social distancing measures have affected the way of life of our children. They have to study online glued to a computer screen all day, unable to leave their home or go outdoors for an extended time resulting in a longer share of time using near vision mode. Looking at things at close range – at a distance of 20-30 cm. – more often, together with the lack of outdoor activities and sunlight exposure contributes to the rapid progression of nearsightedness. Studies show that there has been a further increase in the degree of nearsightedness in myopic children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Symptoms of nearsightedness
If a child habitually walks up to look at things up close or often squint their eyes, they may have difficulty seeing things afar. If you suspect nearsightedness in a child or notice the aforementioned symptoms, you should bring the child to see an ophthalmologist to have the eyesight checked.
Causes of nearsightedness
- Genetic factor is a common cause of nearsightedness in children. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their offspring are at greater risk of becoming myopic.
- Environmental factor in which children spend incessant hours looking at things up-close can further aggravate preexisting nearsightedness.
- Lifestyle factor, substantiated by research, that spending most of the time indoors instead of going out and playing in the sun can hasten nearsightedness.
Risk factors
Children with severe nearsightedness are at greater risk of developing other eye conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataract, or glaucoma. Nearsightedness can adversely affect children’s development as well as their school performance.
How to slow the progression of nearsightedness
Try to shorten the stretch of time looking at things up-close. Stick to the 20-20-20 rule which is using your vision for 20 minutes and resting your eyes by looking at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Encourage children to go out and play in the sun. According to study, children should be exposed to sunlight at least 2 hours a day. However, spending time outdoor may be difficult or impossible during this pandemic; you may aim for 14 hours of outdoor activities every week instead.
In addition, there are eye drops which can slow the progression of nearsightedness and is efficacious in Asian children. Consult an ophthalmologist if the eye drops are suitable for your child or not.
Treatment of nearsightedness in children
- The first treatment is to be fitted with a prescription eye glasses. If the nearsightedness progress significantly during a follow-up, eye drops to slow the progression may be considered.
- Eye drops which delay nearsightedness belong to the group of eye drops used to relax the staring, but they are diluted 100-fold. However, the use of these eye drops must always be under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
Could a myopic child be fitted with a pair of glasses from optical shop?
It is okay to get a pair of glasses from a regular optical shop. But in children younger than 12-15 years old, the use of cycloplegic eye drops before a visual acuity test is recommended; otherwise, the result could be inaccurate.
Annual eye screening is recommended for children to detect refractive errors and other eye abnormalities at an early stage. An ophthalmologist will assess their vision and visual acuity.
Children with nearsightedness should wear glasses for clear vision and better quality of life. It is necessary for them to shorten the time span of near vision, avoid staring at an iPad or tablet screen, and opt to look at a larger TV screen instead. Children should go out and play in the sun which can help slow progression of nearsightedness.
