CHILDREN AND MYOPIA

  Children are often on mobile devices, tablets, computers, or even sitting too close to the T.V. This has been the cause of conception that children’s eyes would be negatively impacted over short periods of time. However, Associate Professor Scott Read, director of research at QUT’s School of Optometry and Vision Science, said it was not ‘near work’ on computer and other screens causing myopia, but a lack of adequate outdoor light. “While screens are contributing to children spending more time indoors than in previous years, the research shows they are not the direct cause of the increased incidence of short-sightedness,” Professor Read said. “Optometrists need to make their patients aware that less than 60 minutes exposure to light outdoors per day is a risk factor for myopia. It looks like even for those with myopia already, increasing time outside is likely to reduce progression.”

Myopia, or short-sightedness, could affect half of the world’s population by 2050.

  A global study, published by the Brien Holden Vision Institute, announced that half the world’s population will be short-sighted by 2050 with many at risk of blindness and predicts that 10 percent of the world’s population will be at risk of blindness by the same time if steps are not taken to stop short-sightedness turning into high myopia, which is requiring glasses with a prescription of minus five or stronger. It’s important to note that children should still wear sunglasses when spending time under the sun to protect their eyes from harmful UVB and UVA rays. Read more on the Science Daily Post.