How Does Nearsightedness Develop in Children?
In contrast to the lens, changes in corneal growth showed little or no relation to the development of myopia. The cornea is responsible for about two-thirds of the optical power of the eye, and the lens for the remaining one-third.
The study provides vision professionals with an important new piece of information on why some children develop myopia. However, what’s still unclear is why the lens suddenly stops adapting to continued growth of the eye. More research will be needed to answer that question-one possibility is that an abnormally thick ciliary muscle within the eye forms a mechanical restriction preventing the stretching that thins and flattens the lens as the eye continues to grow.
Treatments and procedures
Myopia is a refractive error, like astigmatism. It can be controlled by wearing glasses or contact lenses or for permanent correction, refractive surgery can be performed. The most common of these procedures are photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or implanted corneal rings.
Why is the Myopter better than reading glasses? When we use our eyes, convergence and accommodation work together. Both increase when we look at something close. Thus, convergence stimulates accommodation in the brain and accommodation stimulates convergence. When we use reading glasses to eliminate accommodation, we are still exerting convergence and STIMULATING accommodation. This can prevent the complete relaxation of the ciliary muscle and make improvement more difficult. So, for maximum success, let your child use a Myopter at home and reading glasses in school where the Myopter might make the child uncomfortable because of its appearance.
Here are some tips of nurturing good eye care habits for your child to reduce or prevent from myopia.
- When reading a book, the distance from your eyes to the reading material must be approximately 30 cm at most. Your Child should sit in upright position comfortable in a chair, not lying on the bed or floor. Lighting in the room must be good. There should not be excessive light to prevent glaring of eyes from the reading material. If you can, get the reading material font size in large print over fine print. This is to minimize the strain to your child eyes.
- When watching television, the distance from eyes to the TV must be approximately 2 meter at most. The room must be well lit and the television screen should be place on eye level. Sit upright avoid laying down while watching TV.
- When using computer, make sure there is enough lighting in the room. The monitor screen must be approximately 50 cm away from your child eyes. Adjust the brightness to reduce glare to a minimal amount and no other sources of light causes unwanted reflections into the monitor’s screen. Always seated upright.
- Always take a break at 30 to 40 minute intervals to rest your eyes. Look out at trees or any objects in a distance from your windows. Exercises your eyes to relax the eye.
- Wear prescribed spectacles where is necessary. Not wearing it can worsen and damage your child vision permanently.
- Provide your child with good balance of nutrients and vitamins.
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About Optometry and Vision Science
Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry, is the most authoritative source for current developments in optometry, physiological optics, and vision science. This frequently cited monthly scientific journal has served primary eye care practitioners for more than 75 years, promoting vital interdisciplinary exchange among optometrists and vision scientists worldwide.
About the American Academy of Optometry
Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning. All members of the Academy are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research.
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