Today Is World Sight Day, a cause that is observed worldwide on the second Thursday of October every year.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 billion people worldwide suffer eyesight issues, such as near or far sight impairment, due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is projected to affect over half of the world’s population by 2050 and an increase in screentime means young ones are spending longer focused on things close to them and may not realise their vision isn’t ‘normal’.
Although it is more common to develop myopia from a family history of it, that is not always a factor. Evidence suggests that extended periods of high concentration, close vision tasks, spending more time indoors and using smartphones and tablets can all contribute to it.
There are a few things that can be done to help prevent eyesight issues when it comes to using devices:
- The 20-20-20 rule:
– Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will allow the eye muscles to relax and allows for natural blinking.
2. Limit device usage:
-Kids spend an average of seven hour a day looking at screens which is drastically more than the recommended 2 hours for a 12-year-old. Limiting screen time and using devices can help slow myopia progression, especially if they’re outside and participating in physical activities.
3. Hoya MiYOSMART lenses
– are designed to target and slow the development of myopia and look like a standard single vision lens. After a 2-year clinical trial, patients who wore the lenses showed a reduction of 60% in their progression of myopia
Get in touch with us at Bush the Opticians to find out more about our Eye examinations and what will best suit you and your child.
