Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise globally, affecting children earlier and more frequently than ever before. “It’s a global epidemic,” says Dr. Debbie Jones, Clinical Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo (UWO).
During an interview with Lianne Castelino of Where Parents Talk, Dr. Jones, a leading expert in pediatric optometry and a clinical scientist at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education at UWO described this alarming trend and the importance of regular eye care for children.
Myopia: More Than Just Glasses
While myopia may seem like a simple need for glasses, it is much more complex. “Myopia means you see clearly up close but not at a distance,” Dr. Jones explains. While corrective lenses can improve vision, untreated or poorly managed myopia can have far-reaching consequences. Children with early-onset myopia are at risk of progressive vision deterioration, leading to stronger prescriptions and potential ocular health issues later in life, such as vision loss.
Dr. Jones describes how the condition affects more than just sight. “Good vision is fundamental to social and educational success,” she says. “80% of learning is visual. And it makes sense that if you see well, you have a better chance of performing well educationally.” Children with poor vision may struggle in school, miss out on social interactions, or even avoid activities like swimming, where vision impairments may leave them feeling unsafe.
A Global Epidemic: The Rising Prevalence of Myopia
Dr. Jones says she has observed a dramatic increase in the prevalence of myopia among children. In a 2018 pilot study of children aged 6 to 13 in the Waterloo region, 30% of the participants had myopia. One-third of those children were unaware they needed vision correction.
Globally, the numbers are even more startling. In parts of Asia, as many as 90% of teenagers are myopic, and Canada is seeing similar trends. “We are seeing more and more young children with myopia,” Dr. Jones says, warning that the situation is not improving.
The Role of Screen Time and Indoor Lifestyles
One of the driving factors behind the rise in myopia is lifestyle changes. Children are spending more time indoors and on screens, a trend that has accelerated with the increasing use of digital devices in both academic and social settings. Dr. Jones explains, “We think holding things close for long periods prompts the visual system to focus more on near objects, leading to myopia.”
Moreover, children are spending less time outdoors, which is concerning because outdoor daylight has a protective effect on the eyes. Studies show that children who spend more time outside are less likely to develop myopia. “Natural daylight helps delay eye growth, which is a factor in myopia progression,” Dr. Jones notes.
Early Detection is Key
Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams for children, starting as early as six months of age. “There’s no substitute for professional eye care,” she asserts. While parents may attempt to check their child’s vision at home, subtle issues like myopia can go unnoticed, and many children may not even realize they have a problem. Regular exams, covered by health insurance in many parts of Canada, ensure that eye conditions are caught early.
Signs that a child may have vision issues include squinting, moving closer to screens, or being unable to see distant objects clearly. However, Dr. Jones cautions that parents should not rely solely on observable symptoms. “A child won’t always say they can’t see well, and often they’ll find ways to cope,” she says.
Managing and Slowing the Progression of Myopia
Once myopia is detected, there are various ways to manage and slow its progression. Dr. Jones highlights that Canada is at the forefront of myopia management, offering treatments like specialized glasses, contact lenses, and even eye drops. These methods don’t just correct vision; they help control eye growth and slow down the worsening of myopia. “We can’t cure myopia, but we can prevent it from progressing rapidly,” she explains.
Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with their optometrists about which treatment option might be best for their child.
Whether it’s wearing specially designed glasses, using eye drops, or opting for contact lenses, there are many tools available to protect children from high-risk prescriptions later in life.
A Call for Routine Eye Care and Awareness
Dr. Jones’ message to parents is clear: routine eye exams are essential. “We take our kids to the dentist without question, so why not the optometrist?” she asks. Parents should not wait for symptoms to appear or assume that everything is fine because their child isn’t complaining. Eye care should be part of a child’s regular health routine, just like dental checkups.
In addition to regular exams, parents should also encourage outdoor play and limit non-academic screen time. The 20-20-20 rule can help mitigate the effects of screen use: every 20 minutes, have children look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
As Dr. Jones emphasizes, myopia is not just about glasses—it’s about protecting children’s long-term vision and health. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatment options can significantly slow the progression of myopia and help children lead healthier lives. “We’re fortunate in Canada to have so many options available,” she says, urging parents to take advantage of the resources and professional guidance at their disposal. “Take your child for an eye exam. It’s the best thing you can do to ensure their vision stays on track.”
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