Myopia Awareness Week is a global initiative to raise awareness about the rising rates of myopia (nearsightedness) and its long-term impact on eye health—especially in children. At Empress Eye Clinic, we’re committed to helping families understand the importance of early detection, prevention, and management of this increasingly common condition.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

This condition is not just a matter of glasses—it’s a growing public health concern. The World Health Organization estimates that half of the world’s population may be myopic by 2050 if current trends continue.

Why Myopia Is a Concern

While glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, progressive or high myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic macular degeneration

That’s why early intervention is key—not just for clear vision, but for long-term eye health.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia:

• Genetics: Children with one or both myopic parents are at higher risk.
• Lifestyle: Excessive near work (screens, reading) and lack of outdoor time can increase risk.
• Age of Onset: Myopia that begins in early childhood tends to progress more rapidly.

How We Can Help: Myopia Management

At Empress Eye Clinic, we offer evidence-based myopia control treatments to help slow the progression of myopia in children and teens. These include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special night-time lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily.
• Myopia control soft contact lenses: Designed to slow axial growth of the eye.
• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops that reduce the rate of myopic progression.
• Specialty glasses lenses: Such as multifocal or peripheral defocus designs.

Each child is unique—so we provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to their eyes and lifestyle.

What Parents Can Do

• Ensure your child spends at least 90 minutes outdoors daily.
• Limit screen time and encourage visual breaks using the 20-20-20 rule.
• Book annual eye exams, even if your child is not complaining of vision problems.
• Ask your optometrist about myopia control options—early action matters.

Join Us in Spreading Awareness

This Myopia Awareness Week, let’s work together to protect the next generation’s vision. If you’re a parent or caregiver, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child today and learn more about how you can safeguard their visual future.

Empress Eye Clinic
Full-scope family eye care in North York
www.empresseyeclinic.com | (416) 223-4500