Is your child at risk for nearsightedness?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  Does your child currently wear glasses to see distance objects clearly?  (also called nearsightedness or myopia)

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  • A.
    Yes
  • B.
    No
  • C.
    Unsure
• 2.
  Is your child between the ages of 4-18 years old

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  • A.
    Yes
  • B.
    No
• 3.
  How many parents are myopic? (Please mark even if parent had refractive surgery, LASIK or PRK, performed)

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  • A.
    1 parent
  • B.
    2 parents
  • C.
    Neither
• 4.
  How many hours a day does your child spend on near work (reading, writing, electronic device, screen time)?

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  • A.
    Less than 2 hours
  • B.
    More than 2 hours
• 5.
  How many hours a day is your child outdoors?

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  • A.
    More than 2 hours
  • B.
    Less than 2 hours

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your child has minimal risk of nearsightedness

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  What is myopia?Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, causes distance vision to be blurry. Myopia typically occurs during childhood when eyeballs are growing, meaning the distance between the front and back of the eye is lengthening.  As this happens, blurry vision results due to the light rays focusing at a point in front of the retina.Myopia is a growing concern globally and childhood myopia, specifically, is on the rise.  In 1970, only 25% of the population was nearsighted, today more than 40% of Americans are myopic. And, it’s estimated that by 2050, 58% of Americans will be nearsighted!  Myopia tends to progress during childhood as the eyes continue to grow and develop. Study after study demonstrates that myopia is worsening more rapidly in school-aged children now than ever before because of lifestyle factors.What increases your child's risk?Myopia in children increases when parents are myopic.  The likelihood of children developing myopia increases.Research has also shown that modern lifestyles may be contributing to the increase in myopia.What can you do?You're on the right track with your child. The best way to slow down this natural progression is to limit near work and increase the amount of time your child spends outdoors.
• 2.
  Your child has moderate risk of developing progressive myopia

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  What is myopia?Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, causes distance vision to be blurry. Myopia typically occurs during childhood when eyeballs are growing, meaning the distance between the front and back of the eye is lengthening.  As this happens, blurry vision results due to the light rays focusing at a point in front of the retina.Myopia is a growing concern globally and childhood myopia, specifically, is on the rise.  In 1970, only 25% of the population was nearsighted, today more than 40% of Americans are myopic. And, it’s estimated that by 2050, 58% of Americans will be nearsighted!  Myopia tends to progress during childhood as the eyes continue to grow and develop. Study after study demonstrates that myopia is worsening more rapidly in school-aged children now than ever before because of lifestyle factors.What increases your child's risk?Myopia in children increases when parents are myopic.  The likelihood of children developing myopia increases.Research has also shown that modern lifestyles may be contributing to the increase in myopia.Why does this matter?In most cases, nearsightedness may just be a minor inconvenience.  Mild nearsightedness does not increase a person’s risk for eye health problems. But, in certain cases, myopia can be so severe and progressive that it is considered a degenerative condition. Moderate to high myopia can cause cataracts, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and even retinal detachments. These are vision threatening conditions which can lead to permanent loss of vision later in life.What can you do?There are now treatments available to slow down your child's nearsightedness.
• 3.
  Your child has high risk for developing progressive myopia

  Image Source

  What is myopia?Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, causes distance vision to be blurry. Myopia typically occurs during childhood when eyeballs are growing, meaning the distance between the front and back of the eye is lengthening.  As this happens, blurry vision results due to the light rays focusing at a point in front of the retina.Myopia is a growing concern globally and childhood myopia, specifically, is on the rise.  In 1970, only 25% of the population was nearsighted, today more than 40% of Americans are myopic. And, it’s estimated that by 2050, 58% of Americans will be nearsighted!  Myopia tends to progress during childhood as the eyes continue to grow and develop. Study after study demonstrates that myopia is worsening more rapidly in school-aged children now than ever before because of lifestyle factors.What increases your child's risk?Myopia in children increases when parents are myopic.  The likelihood of children developing myopia increases.Research has also shown that modern lifestyles may be contributing to the increase in myopia.Why does this matter?In most cases, nearsightedness may just be a minor inconvenience.  Mild nearsightedness does not increase a person’s risk for eye health problems. But, in certain cases, myopia can be so severe and progressive that it is considered a degenerative condition. Moderate to high myopia can cause cataracts, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and even retinal detachments. These are vision threatening conditions which can lead to permanent loss of vision later in life.What can you do?There are now treatments available to slow down your child's nearsightedness.