Myopia is becoming a global epidemic — by 2050 an alarming 50% of the world’s population will be myopic.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea of the eye is too curved.
A landmark study, published in the scientific journal Ophthalmology, projected that by 2050 over 50% of the world’s population will be myopic, representing close to 5 billion people.
A myopic eye refracts light in front of the retina, instead of directly on the retina, leading to blurred vision.
The increasing prevalence of childhood myopia has become a rising concern as it significantly increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachment.
As a result, eye care professionals are working tirelessly to prevent the rapid rise in childhood myopia cases, while researchers continue to search for the risk factors associated with myopia development.
Both genetic and environmental factors have shown to increase a child’s risk of myopia.
Researchers are now publishing multiple studies clearly showing the link between obesity and its influence in myopia development.
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If you are concerned about your child’s myopia, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an eye exam.
Is there a link between myopia and obesity?
Yes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), children with higher body mass index (BMI) levels are more likely to develop high myopia.
While this topic still requires more extensive research, a 2016 study of Korean children and adolescents also concluded that obesity can in fact increase a child’s risk of myopia.
The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included 1,114 participants aged 5 to 18. Data was recorded for each participant concerning diagnosis of a refractive error, family history of myopia, waist circumference and BMI.
According to the results, high myopia was a greater risk for overweight or obese children and adolescents, than for participants with normal BMI levels.
While more research is needed to establish a firm link between obesity and myopia development, it is still important to educate children on the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Not only will eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise benefit their general well being, it will reduce their risk of high myopia and protect their vision in the long run.
Can high myopia be treated?
Since high or worsening myopia can be worrisome, parents often ask their eye doctor how they can help to protect their child’s vision.
Fortunately, many eye doctors offer myopia management programs to help slow or even stop progressive myopia.
Myopia management can reduce myopia progression by up to 78 percent!
Myopia management is a personalized program that utilizes a variety of treatment methods, including multifocal eyeglasses or contact lenses, orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses, and atropine eye drops, all proven effective in reducing the rate of myopia progression.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Pediatric Eye Conditions
Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to protect your child’s eyes and vision.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), children with higher body mass index (BMI) levels are more likely to develop high myopia.
Fortunately, myopia management can reduce myopia progression by up to 78 percent.
