MYOPIA ON THE RISE AMONG CHILDREN 8 YEARS OLD - THE “GOLDEN PERIOD” FOR VISION MANAGEMENT
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With heavy homework loads and increasing screen time, myopia among Hong Kong’s schoolchildren has become a growing concern. A recent survey by the Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists found that nearly 20% of primary school students show a startling 275 degrees of myopia in their first eye examination, while 37% of primary school parents interviewed have children affected by myopia, with an average of 170 degrees. Even more shocking, approximately 6% of students have severe myopia of 425 degrees or more, making this a worrying trend that cannot be ignored.
These alarming numbers are especially concerning due to the fact that only 70% of parents have ever taken their children to have their eyes tested. It is crucial that parents recognize that profound myopia in childhood increases the likelihood of developing severe eye diseases in adulthood – and that risk grows with age. To protect their children's sight, they must seize the "golden period" of childhood eye development as early as possible.
Children who suffer from profound myopia face a greater risk of developing severe eye diseases in adulthood:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic Macular Degeneration
Cataract
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic Macular Degeneration
Cataract
SEE HOW EYES GROW EYESIGHT TO LAST A LIFETIME
The eyes continue to develop and grow after birth, and isn’t finished growing until well into puberty, around the age of 18-21. If a child’s eyeball grows abnormally — too quickly, too short/long, or the cornea is too curved etc, then they will have vision problems. For examples, if a young child suffers from amblyopia, treatment must happen before the age of eight when the visual cortex in both hemispheres matures; myopia progresses most quickly around the age of 8-12 so timely treatment is vital!
Many vision problems are irreversible once the “Golden Period” for treatment is missed!
BEOFRE THE AGE OF 8 IS THE GOLDEN PERIOD FOR CORRECTING VISION PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN
THE SOONER, THE BETTER!
STANDARD VISION REFERENCES FOR CHILDREN
4 Years Old: 0.5
5 Years Old: 0.6 - 0.7
6 Years Old: 1.0 (standard vision)
COMMON VISION PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN MAY AFFECT THEIR SOCIAL LIFE AND STUDIES
Refractive Errors (Farsightedness, Nearsightedness or Astigmatism)
- Genetically inherited
- Refractive errors are caused by changes in the shape of the eyeball that prevent images from properly focusing on the retina
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
- Poor vision in one eye causes it to rely on the better eye
- Visual contrast sensitivity, stereoscopic perception, and binocular vision coordination are also affected
Refractive Errors (Farsightedness, Nearsightedness or Astigmatism)
- Genetically inherited
- Refractive errors are caused by changes in the shape of the eyeball that prevent images from properly focusing on the retina
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
- Poor vision in one eye causes it to rely on the better eye
- Visual contrast sensitivity, stereoscopic perception, and binocular vision coordination are also affected
Strabismus (Misaligned Eyes)
- Mainly divided into exotropia (outward ‘wall-eyed’) and esotropia (inward, ‘cross-eyed’), and congenital or acquired through illness
- Muscle training and corrective lenses can improve the condition in young children
Insufficient Convergence (Intermittent Exotropia)
- Eyes are usually aligned when looking at a distance, but misaligned when looking up close (such as when reading)
- May cause difficulty with concentration and affect academic performance
Strabismus (Misaligned Eyes)
- Mainly divided into exotropia (outward ‘wall-eyed’) and esotropia (inward, ‘cross-eyed’), and congenital or acquired through illness
- Muscle training and corrective lenses can improve the condition in young children
Insufficient Convergence (Intermittent Exotropia)
- Eyes are usually aligned when looking at a distance, but misaligned when looking up close (such as when reading)
- May cause difficulty with concentration and affect academic performance
DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE THESE EARLY SIGNS OF VISION PROBLEMS?
Squinting, looking sideways at the TV
Often rubs their eyes
Abnormal pupil position
Difficulty paying attention
Complains about headaches after homework
Covers one eye while reading or watching TV
Gets closer to see things clearly
Stumbles often
Poor grades, difficulty concentrating and reluctance to do homework may not be laziness, but signs that a child is experiencing vision problems. Parents should schedule an eye examination promptly to address any potential vision problems, which may not only help the child’s academic performance, but also boost their confidence overall.
MYTHS ABOUT GLASSES FOR CHILDREN
DO THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?
Myth 1: Full-strength lenses are not good for children?
When fitting their children for glasses, some parents believe that strong enough lenses will worsen their myopia – that children should use weaker lenses than prescribed. In fact, the opposite is true: lenses that aren’t strong enough may exacerbate myopia, not only causing it to progress but to do so a faster rate. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that the prescription is accurate and appropriate.
Myth 2: Children with mild myopia can put off wearing glasses for a while?
There is a common misconception among some parents that for mild cases of myopia, glasses can wait. In reality, the degree of myopia is irrelevant: it is imperative that children be fitted with corrective eyewear at the earliest opportunity to prevent worsening of the myopia and further distortion of the eye, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Myth 3: Reading is fine, but watching TV is not?
Do you think your little reader’s love of books makes them less susceptible to myopia, since they’re not staring at the TV often? Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking on the part of parents. In fact, reading, homework, and using mobile phones are more likely to cause myopia than watching TV since these activities involve prolonged close-up focus.
Myth 4: Children with myopia can fix the problem with laser surgery when they grow up?
The primary cause of myopia is elongation of the eye axis. Laser surgery works by flattening the cornea, and while it can help restore vision, it doesn’t address the risk of complications associated with myopia, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Taking action early is the best way to preserve your child’s eyesight and overall health!
MYTHS ABOUT GLASSES FOR CHILDREN DO THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?
Myth 1: Full-strength lenses are not good for children?
When fitting their children for glasses, some parents believe that strong enough lenses will worsen their myopia – that children should use weaker lenses than prescribed. In fact, the opposite is true: lenses that aren’t strong enough may exacerbate myopia, not only causing it to progress but to do so a faster rate. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that the prescription is accurate and appropriate.
Myth 2: Children with mild myopia can put off wearing glasses for a while?
There is a common misconception among some parents that for mild cases of myopia, glasses can wait. In reality, the degree of myopia is irrelevant: it is imperative that children be fitted with corrective eyewear at the earliest opportunity to prevent worsening of the myopia and further distortion of the eye, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Myth 3: Reading is fine, but watching TV is not?
Do you think your little reader’s love of books makes them less susceptible to myopia, since they’re not staring at the TV often? Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking on the part of parents. In fact, reading, homework, and using mobile phones are more likely to cause myopia than watching TV since these activities involve prolonged close-up focus.
Myth 4: Children with myopia can fix the problem with laser surgery when they grow up?
The primary cause of myopia is elongation of the eye axis. Laser surgery works by flattening the cornea, and while it can help restore vision, it doesn’t address the risk of complications associated with myopia, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Taking action early is the best way to preserve your child’s eyesight and overall health!
EVERYDAY EYE CARE TIPS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
DAILY DISCIPLINE IS KEY
DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS
Avoid reading in low light, mind your posture when reading and writing, and don’t lay your head on the table to read, or read with your head turned to the side.
LIMIT TIME SPENT USING ELECTRONICS
Avoid using electronics for more than 20 minutes at a time, and for more than 2 hours overall each day.
FAMILY HISTORY
Parents with severe myopia should have their children’s eyes checked early.
GO OUTSIDE MORE
Practice looking at scenery in the distance and letting your eye muscles relax.
PROTECT THE EYE AGAINST UV
Ultraviolet rays may cause a host of problems, including cataracts, cornea and conjunctival inflammation, eyelid tumors, and even chronic macular degeneration. From an early age, children should get used to wearing sunglasses that effectively block ultraviolet rays outdoors.
MAKE SURE PRESCRIPTIONS ARE CORRECT
Staying on top of eye health is important. Children should get eye examinations every year and start with corrective eyewear as early as possible.
EVERYDAY EYE CARE TIPS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
DAILY DISCIPLINE IS KEY
DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS
Avoid reading in low light, mind your posture when reading and writing, and don’t lay your head on the table to read, or read with your head turned to the side.
LIMIT TIME SPENT USING ELECTRONICS
Avoid using electronics for more than 20 minutes at a time, and for more than 2 hours overall each day.
FAMILY HISTORY
Parents with severe myopia should have their children’s eyes checked early.
GO OUTSIDE MORE
Practice looking at scenery in the distance and letting your eye muscles relax.
PROTECT THE EYE AGAINST UV
Ultraviolet rays may cause a host of problems, including cataracts, cornea and conjunctival inflammation, eyelid tumors, and even chronic macular degeneration. From an early age, children should get used to wearing sunglasses that effectively block ultraviolet rays outdoors.
MAKE SURE PRESCRIPTIONS ARE CORRECT
Staying on top of eye health is important. Children should get eye examinations every year and start with corrective eyewear as early as possible.
A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONAL MYOPIA MANAGEMENT LENSES FOR CHILDREN
GETTING READY FOR SUMMER FUN AND GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
ZEISS MyoCare
Available at Puyi Optical, ZEISS MyoCare lens which uses precise measurement technology to create a balance between myopia management and comfort, giving children clear vision so they can focus on learning.
- Using the new C.A.R.E technology, allows surrounding objects to be seen more clearly
- Good impact resistance
- Full UV protection
ZEISS MyoCare
Available at Puyi Optical, ZEISS MyoCare lens which uses precise measurement technology to create a balance between myopia management and comfort, giving children clear vision so they can focus on learning.
- Using the new C.A.R.E technology, allows surrounding objects to be seen more clearly
- Good impact resistance
- Full UV protection
HOYA MiYOSMART
For another reliable option is the HOYA MiYOSMART children's myopia management lenses have won international awards for effectively slowing the progression of myopia. They come in transparent, photochromic, and polarized options suitable for both laidback and active children.
BOOK A PROFESSIONAL EYE EXAM
START MANAGING YOUR CHILDREN’S MYOPIA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Puyi Optical uses state-of-the-art optometry equipment to offer detailed and reliable eye health analysis, including examination of the bottom of the eye, diopter tests, and strabismus detection. Our team of professional optometrists can recommend suitable corrective lens solutions and provide eye protection advice based on the child's lifestyle and habits, enabling them to see the world with clear and comfortable vision.