Playtimes HK Magazine June 2017 Issue | Page 36

advice Near sighted Vanessa Thai introduces the signs and symptoms of myopia, a common condition in Hong Kong, and explains how it can be treated Normal vision Myopia Correction with lens What is myopia? Myopia, also known as short/near- sightedness is the term that describes when you are able to see objects clearly up close (laptop or book) but not at a distance (TV/movie screen or difficulty recognising people in the distance). Myopia occurs in eyes that focus images in front of, rather than directly on, the retina causing blurred vision. This is caused by, either acting alone or in combination, the cornea or lens being misshapen or the eyeball being too long. Signs and symptoms Undiagnosed myopia can lead to headaches and eyestrain as distance vision is blurred. A myopic child may: • Squint to see distant objects • Have trouble seeing the board in the classroom 34 www.playtimes.com.hk • Have poor reading posture • Show little interest in outdoor games Onset and prevalence Genetics and the environment play a role in the development and progression of myopia. Environmental factors include prolonged near focusing tasks, eyelid pressure, poor lighting and reduced outdoor time. Children who suffer from myopia at a young age are at an increased risk of high myopia later in life. High myopia contributes to higher risks of retinal complications, cataract and glaucoma, which may result in blindness. The prevalence of myopia is increasing at an alarming rate – with studies suggesting that up to 80 per cent of the population in some East Asian countries may be myopic, mainly due to intensive education and less time spent outdoors. It is estimated that 2.6 billion people or 30 per cent of the world’s population will be myopic by year 2020.