Did you know 90% of Chinese teenagers are now shortsighted!! Yes 90% – almost unbelievable. This means they cannot see the distance clearly without spectacles or contact lenses. By 2050 HALF of the world’s population will be short-sighted. Short-sightedness has doubled in the USA in the last 20 years and is currently estimated in Europe at 37% of the population! Professor Brian Holden explains when you click on here.
This is concerning because it not only affects the way we see but can also lead to eye disease as we age.
This human epidemic of short-sightedness is being caused by three factors; genetics, environment and behaviour. This epidemic is coming to the western world and you need to know that there are things that can be done to slow this down. If you are not short sighted, I’ll wager you know someone who is.
We can help with this. Click on here Those, particularly at risk, are youngsters reaching puberty with short-sighted parents up to the age of approximately 27. They have an 80 % chance of being short sighted!!
What can we do?
The evidence is clear:
It is vital that all children are encouraged to play outside for at least 2-3 hours a day, even in winter.
Time spent on computers, laptops, X boxes and mobile phones should be limited and controlled.
They should have regular eye examinations, which are free to all under the age of 19 and in full-time education.
Shortsighted can be controlled using specialist contact lenses
Technological change in contact lenses means that we can help slow this increase in short-sightedness down. This combined with other sensible behavioural changes can make a real difference; not only to the youngster in their teens but helping to prevent disease of the eye as they age.
We live in a rapidly changing world and if you know someone, or a family who is short-sighted, the technologies we use may be of great benefit to them.
We are the first practice in Wales to use both orthokeratology ( https://www.judithroberts-opticians.co.uk/orthokeratology-2/) and the latest soft daily disposable contact lens (https://coopervision.com.my/contact-lenses/misight) to control myopia.
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