Reader Question: I’m nearsighted, and my child is starting to show similar symptoms. Is myopia hereditary, and can it be prevented?
Yes, nearsightedness (myopia) is hereditary. If you, or someone in your family, has myopia, there’s a high chance your children will also be nearsighted.
Studies even show that if one parent has myopia, the risk for their child doubles. If both parents have it, the risk increases even more.
However, genetics is just one part of the equation. Various environmental and lifestyle factors increase your child’s risk of developing myopia.
This includes:
- Close-up activities like reading
- Too much screen time
- Inadequate sleep
- Poor diet and nutrition
Can you prevent your child from developing myopia?
Unfortunately, you can’t completely prevent your child from developing myopia. However, several strategies can help delay and slow its progression.
Here’s what you can do:
- Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily. Studies show that spending 2 to 3 hours outside reduces the risk of myopia and increases dopamine release in the retina.
- Try to reduce your child’s screen time or take frequent breaks. Reducing the time they spend focusing on close objects can delay the development of nearsightedness.
- Make sure they get regular eye exams. This helps monitor your child’s vision, delay myopia, and prevent potential eye problems.
How can you manage nearsightedness?
My advice is to talk to an eye doctor about your concerns. They can conduct a comprehensive eye exam, assess your child’s risk factors, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for myopia.
Some treatment and management options they might discuss with you include:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses. These are the most common ways to correct myopia, allowing your son to see clearly.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses. These special contact lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea, providing temporary vision correction during the day.
- Multifocal lenses. These glasses or contact lenses are designed to correct distance and near vision and help slow myopia progression.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops. These drops have been shown to slow down myopia progression in some children.
