Dealing with myopia: Anstice Optometrists
Managing myopia in children is important from an early age.
In 1983, the typical onset of myopia (short sightedness) was at around 11 years old, however, by 2000 that had dropped to age eight.
Lifestyle and family history are the primary cause, with one or more myopic parent influencing the conditon in their child, explains Christchurch-based optometrist Nicola Boyce, of Anstice Optometrists.
“Lifestyle causes are influenced by low levels of outdoor activity, low levels of light exposure and prolonged near tasks, such as reading and gaming on portable devices.” Management is important. Increasing myopia can lead to serious eye health problems in the future, she adds. “As a child’s dependency on glasses increases, it can reduce their ability to participate actively in sports and other activities, which can lead to other social anxieties.”
Nicola says small adjustments will help slow down the myopia lifestyle creep. “Do an outdoor activity every day, no matter how low level, and book in for an annual eye test.”
