More than 40% of Americans are estimated to suffer from myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness.

This alarming statistic has prompted health professionals to advocate for serious attention on the condition. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is making waves by suggesting that myopia should be classified as a disease rather than a mere inconvenience managed with glasses.

The authors of the report highlight that myopia has transformed into an “evolving epidemic” that merits urgent research, standard practices in care, and proactive prevention strategies, particularly for children. They advocate for at least one hour of outdoor activity each day as a measure to combat the condition.

This marks the first comprehensive report on myopia by the National Academies since 1989, and it reveals a concerning trend: studies indicate that myopia prevalence has surged by as much as 25% over the past four decades in certain regions of the United States, according to the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Terri Young, committee co-chair and an expert in ophthalmology, noted, "It was long overdue."

However, experts are still piecing together the reasons for this increase. One prevailing theory suggests that the spike in screen time for children, along with less time spent outdoors, is a significant contributor. "In the U.S., it's rapidly increasing, and we don’t have a handle on it," Dr. Young emphasized, calling attention to the critical nature of the issue.

What Is Myopia and Why Is It Rising?

Myopia is a vision disorder where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This condition arises when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Rehabilitation often begins in childhood, as most babies are born farsighted but typically transition to clear vision as they grow. However, in children with myopia, the excess growth of the eye results in blurred distance vision.

And it’s not just visual inconveniences we need to worry about. Myopia can have a ripple effect on a child's life. Research suggests that blurred vision can impair academic performance and overall development. According to Dr. Fatema Ghasia, a pediatric ophthalmologist, “Poor vision has a downstream impact on how that child will function in society.”

How Can You Prevent Myopia in Your Children?

Experts recommend outdoor activity as a primary preventive measure against myopia. The National Academies report emphasizes that children should spend one to two hours outdoors daily. Dr. Young explains that exposure to natural light and the opportunity to look at distant horizons play a significant role in eye health.

Even on days when outdoor play is difficult, allowing children to spend time near windows where daylight can stream in is beneficial. “It doesn’t have to be sunny; what’s important is that they get natural light,” Dr. Ghasia specified.

Additionally, schools and childcare centers must prioritize outdoor time for children. A mere 20-minute recess is insufficient, with the report highlighting that dedicated outdoor time could help curb the rise of myopia.

Diagnosing Myopia: Are We Missing the Signs?

There’s troubling news on the diagnostic front as well. Dr. Young has noted a concerning trend in her clinic, referring to a “myopic shift” where nearsightedness is increasingly diagnosed at much younger ages – some as early as 3 or 4 years old. Not only are younger children being affected, but the benchmarks for "normal eyesight" have shifted, with many children presenting mild myopia.

However, diagnosing and treating myopia in children is hampered by a lack of standardization in screening practices. There’s a patchwork of protocols leading to delays in appropriate care. Dr. Young recommends that vision screenings should occur during wellness visits before starting school, an approach not universally adopted.

Early diagnosis is crucial not just for immediate care but for a child’s long-term health. Myopia is linked to an array of potential complications later in life, including retinal detachment and glaucoma. Dr. Ghasia poignantly remarked, “Myopia is not just a nuisance; it has serious long-term ramifications.

Conclusion