How can the progression of myopia in children be slowed?
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Myopia is increasing significantly worldwide, with half the world's population predicted to be short-sighted by 2050. Myopia usually begins at around 5–6 years of age and may increase until growth stops, at around 20. Although genetic predisposition also plays an important role in its development, environmental factors and lifestyle appear to be determining factors in its progression.
Several strategies and recommendations can be applied during childhood to help slow its progression. Let us look at them in detail:
Spend more time outdoors
Various studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia, due to exposure to natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects. At least 2 hours of outdoor activity a day are recommended.
Reduce close-up activities
Prolonged near-vision use, such as using tablets, mobile phones or computers, or reading, can contribute to increasing myopia. Limiting screen time and other close-up activities is therefore recommended and, when engaging in them, encouraging frequent breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something more than 20 steps away, around 6 metres, for about 20 seconds).
Atropine drops
Low-concentration atropine drops have been shown to help reduce myopia progression in children. They dilate the pupils and relax the eye muscles, which appears to slow the elongation of the eyeball responsible for myopia. They must be prescribed by a professional and require monitoring by an ophthalmologist. Please book an appointment at Clínica Castellote for more information and an assessment of your child's individual case.
Glasses and contact lenses with peripheral defocus
This is an optical correction in which a gradual change in prescription strength causes the image reaching the peripheral retina to be out of focus. The results of this treatment are controversial: some publications show that it can slow myopia, while others conclude that it is ineffective.
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