Pediatric Myopia Prevention Methods

By: Bhavya Koneti

Myopia is a refractive error in which the eye lengthens, making it harder for visible light to reach the retina. If the light does not reach the retina, the images are not transferred to the brain through the optic nerves. The main cause of this leading visual impairment is when the eyes are working too hard. As a result, the preventative strategies focus on alleviating the stress on the eyes and giving the eyes time to relax, which mitigates the risk of eye lengthening.  

Prevention Strategies:

Take Breaks from Technology:

According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, an academic association of pediatric ophthalmologists and strabismus surgeons, prolonged screen exposure is a significant factor in causing myopia in children. Therefore, taking frequent breaks from screens can be an effective measure to reduce the strain on the eyes.

Spend time Outside:

Spending time outside can not only help one take breaks from technology, but also relax the eye, preventing elongation. According to Dharani Ramamurthy at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, the high light intensity triggers the release of retinal dopamine, which inhibits myopic development. 

20 - 20 - 20 - 20- 2 Rule:

This is a well-known rule that many eye care professionals strongly recommend to limit screen time and increase outdoor time for children. It states that children should

• Take a 20 second break

• Every 20 minutes

• Look 20 Feet Away

• Blink 20 times

• Be outside 2 hrs a day

Eye Drops

Low dose atropine drops are used to relax eye muscles and dilate the pupils, as they restore the fluid of the eye. However, these eye drops can cause redness or itchiness around the eye. Therefore, they are not widely recommended by eye care professionals. 

Annual Eye Exams

Visiting the eye doctor and getting annual eye examinations can help diagnose myopia as early as possible. Early detection is very important in treatment of myopia.

Eating Healthy Foods:

It is crucial to consume foods that contain essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, E, C, Zinc, and Omega 3 to maintain good eye health. Foods that are rich in Vitamin A like Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, and Apricots play a vital role in keeping the eyes moist, preventing dry eyes. Similarly, zinc-rich foods such as Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, and Chickpeas help keep the retina healthy and protect the eyes from the harmful effects of light. Additionally, foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons help repair and regenerate new tissue cells. In addition to eating these foods, it is crucial to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be the best way to prevent pediatirc myopia and other visual complications. 

Works Cited: 

“5 Best Foods for Eye Health.” Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE, 30 May 2023, www.nebraskamed.com/eye-care/5-best-foods-for-eye-health.

Faao, Dwight Akerman Od, Mba, and Dwight Akerman Od Faao Mba,. “The 20-20-2 Rule.” Review of Myopia Management, 1 Oct. 2020, reviewofmm.com/the-20-20-2-rule.

“MYOPIA AND TREATMENT OF MYOPIA IN CHILDREN - American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.” Higher Logic, LLC, aapos.org/glossary/myopia-and-treatment-of-myopia-in-children.

“Myopia Control in Children.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 15 Nov. 2022, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-control-in-children.

Ramamurthy, Dharani, et al. “A Review of Environmental Risk Factors for Myopia During Early Life, Childhood and Adolescence.” Clinical and Experimental Optometry, vol. 98, no. 6, Nov. 2015, pp. 497–506. https://doi.org/10.1111/cxo.12346.