Vision

Vision is a forgotten topic until it becomes an issue. Keep your eyes healthy to prevent myopia at all ages. The earlier your child starts to be nearsighted (myopic), the worse it can progress. Myopic eyes tend to be longer and this stretching increases the risk of retinal thinning and detachments. There is also an increased risk with maculopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

What works are behavioral interventions:

Spend time outside. Aim for 2 hours outside a day to prevent onset of myopia.

Reduce time with near tasks. “Near tasks” are tasks <20 cm, include looking at smart phones, tablets, and laptops, and reading a book. These things increase the risk of myopia progression, especially in dim light.

For more details, check out this handout from a CHOC ophthalmologist.