Welcome to the digital age, where our screens are our everyday companions. But did you know that excessive screen time is linked to an increase in myopia, or nearsightedness? In this blog post, we’ll explore how myopia impacts us, share some eye-opening UK statistics, and discuss practical tips for myopia control effectively in today’s digital world.
Myopia in the UK is a growing concern
Did you know that myopia is becoming more common in the UK? According to the Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction (NICER) study, nearly one in five teenagers in the UK is now myopic, or short-sighted. Children with one myopic parent are at least three times more likely to be myopic than children without a myopic parent. If both parents are nearsighted, the chances of this happening are more than seven times higher. It has also been discovered that myopia is most likely to develop between the ages of 6 and 13 years.
The key findings of the study are as follows:
- In the United Kingdom, nearly one in every five teenagers is myopic.
- Myopia is now more than twice as common in UK children as it was in the 1960s (16.4% vs 7.2%).
- Myopia is common in white children in the United Kingdom, as it is in other countries.
- Myopia is much less common in white children in the UK than it is in Asian countries, where the majority of school leavers are myopic. In South Korea, for example, 96.5% of 19-year-old males are myopic.
- Myopia is most common between the ages of 6 and 13.
- Children with one myopic parent are nearly three times more likely than children without a myopic parent to be myopic by the age of 13. This is more than seven times more likely if both parents are myopes.
In the United Kingdom, children are becoming myopic at a younger age than in Australia. However, the prevalence of myopia at the age of 18-19 years in Australia and the UK is comparable.
About 30% of the population suffers from myopia, according to recent studies by the College of Optometrists. Among teenagers aged 16-24, the numbers are even higher, with almost 50% experiencing myopia. These stats underline the need for effective strategies to tackle this issue.
The Impact of Digital Devices on Myopia
Our beloved digital devices could be contributing to the rise in myopia. Spending too much time staring at screens strains our eyes and can worsen myopia, especially in children and young adults. So, let’s dive into some practical remedies to manage myopia and take better care of our eyes.
Easy Tips for Managing Myopia
- Regular eye exams
Visiting an optometrist for routine eye exams is crucial. They will assess your eye health, measure your refractive error, and prescribe corrective lenses if needed. These check-ups help monitor myopia progression and ensure you have the right eyewear.
- Reduce screen time
We all love our screens, but it’s important to limit the time we spend on them. Excessive screen time strains our eyes and increases the risk of myopia getting worse. Take breaks every 20 minutes, focusing on distant objects to give your eyes some rest.
- Embrace the outdoors
Nature has its way of keeping us healthy, even when it comes to our eyes. Encourage yourself and your loved ones to spend time outdoors regularly. Outdoor activities expose us to natural light, which may help regulate eye growth and lower the chances of developing or worsening myopia.
- Shed some light
Good lighting is key! Make sure your workspace and digital devices are well-lit. Avoid using screens in dark or dimly lit rooms, as it strains your eyes. Opt for ambient lighting or adjust the brightness and contrast of your devices for optimal eye comfort.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Remember this simple rule to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something that’s 20 feet away. This brief break allows your eyes to unwind and lessens the strain from constant close-up work.
- Explore myopia control options
If you’re concerned about myopia progression in children or young adults, consult an optometrist about myopia control methods. These include options like overnight contact lenses (orthokeratology) or low-concentration atropine eye drops. These approaches aim to slow down myopia progression and protect your vision.
In our digital age, managing myopia is more important than ever. By following simple remedies like regular eye exams, reducing screen time, embracing the outdoors, using proper lighting, and exploring myopia control options, we can take proactive steps to protect our vision and keep myopia at bay. Remember, your eyes are precious, so let’s take care of them and enjoy the digital world while keeping the fog of myopia away.
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