September marks “Myopia Month”

RELEASE:  September 4, 2024
CONTACT:  Geoff Knapp, 971-282-3292; geoff@oregonoptometry.org

Milwaukie, OR – Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), has launched a public awareness program entitled, “Eyes on Myopia”. As of 2024, myopia is still considered a global epidemic, with some projections suggesting that it could affect one billion people worldwide by 2050.

The pandemic made the problem worse, with children spending more time on screens and less time outdoors. This has led to a change in children's anatomy, with their eyeballs lengthening to accommodate short-vision tasks. One analysis found that the incidence of pathologically stretched eyeballs in six-year-olds almost doubled during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“A comprehensive eye examination can easily identify a child with nearsightedness or myopia. Children in elementary school through high school should get their eyes checked every year with an eye care provider to identify myopia at its earliest stages,” said Dr. Craig Bowen, President, OOPA Board of Directors. “Children and teens wearing glasses or contact lenses experience clear vision at all distances resulting in improved performance and participation in school.”

Myopia affects a child’s academic success. Children who have myopia can fall behind in school if they do not wear corrective glasses. Children with a higher degree of myopia are more likely to develop sight-threatening complications later in life, like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

Oregon students age seven and younger who are beginning an education program for the first time must complete a “vision screening”.  Eye screenings test to identify potential vision health concerns. When a concern is detected, children should receive a comprehensive eye exam. Optometrist locations may be found at https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor?sso=y.

OOPA is a statewide organization of doctors of optometry, college of optometry faculty, optometric students, and industry related associates. Its mission is to promote, protect and advance the professional practice of optometry.

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*Interviews with state optometrists may be arranged by contacting Geoff Knapp, executive director, at 971-282-3292; geoff@oregonoptometry.org.