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Nearsightedness is a Public Health Crisis

Nearsightedness has risen dramatically over the last 50 years. If nothing is done to help slow the increase, half the world’s population may be nearsighted by the year 2050. That means much more than a lot of people in glasses. It means a lot of kids today are at risk of developing vision-threatening eye conditions tomorrow. That’s why Minnesota Academy of eye Physicians and Surgeons  and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing information about myopia and its progression.

People who have myopia, also known as nearsightedness, can see close-up objects clearly, but objects farther away are blurry. Myopia that begins in early childhood often worsens as the child grows. If these changes are too extreme, it can be hard to correct the blurriness with glasses or contact lenses and the risk of potentially blinding eye conditions rises, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts and myopic maculopathy, a leading cause of blindness world-wide.

Thankfully, in Minnesota, children are screened at their annual Well Child Checks and through the public schools. If you notice your child squinting to see far away or if they are complaining of headaches, you should discuss with their primary care provider to make sure their screening is up to date.

For more information on eye health, visit www.eyesmart.org