The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) Raises Awareness About the Myopia Epidemic Among Children and the Importance of Limiting Screen Time

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 1, 2024--

As October marks Children Vision Month, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) releases a new national campaign to raise awareness about myopia, and to enlighten parents and caregivers about the crucial significance of annual eye exams for children. Several provincial associations of optometrists ( New Brunswick Association of Optometrists, Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Optometrists, Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, and The Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists ) and sponsors from the industry - Alcon, CooperVision, and Sun Pharma Canada - joined and supported the campaign.

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Myopia is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world 1

As a visual condition currently affecting 30% of the population, myopia has evolved into a global public health crisis demanding our immediate attention.

By 2050, the prevalence of myopia is estimated to increase to 50% of the world’s population. Along with the rising prevalence, myopia is occurring at earlier ages starting in childhood (6-7 years of age), progressing at a more rapid rate than the previous generations.

People with myopia will have trouble seeing distant objects, such as the road sign, whiteboard, movie screen and TV. Myopia has both a genetic and environmental component. However, increased near work and screen time are also correlated with higher rate of myopia in children. High myopia is associated with increased risk of sight threatening conditions like retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy.

Protecting children’s sight

As the child grows, so do their eyes! Healthy vision is an important part of a child’s overall well-being, allowing them to succeed in their everyday activities in school and on the playing field. It has a fundamental impact on their learning and development.

However, children with vision problems are generally unaware of their condition, because they assume everyone sees the way they do.

Parents may also not realize their child has a vision problem, especially if the child seems to be functioning well in other areas. “ It is important to remember that once myopia has progressed, the person’s vision won’t come back. You can slow — even potentially stop — progression, but not reverse or resolve it afterwards. This is why we need to focus on prevention and early detection,” says Dr. Spiro, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Making eye care routine

“ It is crucial that children get a comprehensive eye exam annually. It is never too soon to see an optometrist,” continues Spiro.

The CAO recommends that parents schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children starting at six to nine months, then again between the ages of two and five years, and annually thereafter to age 19. After 19, eye development stabilizes, allowing check-ups every two years for healthy adults with no known eye conditions.

Annual eye exams are crucial, even if no symptoms are evident, to catch potential issues early and ensure timely intervention. The optometrist will perform tests to determine if there is a prescription for myopia, and the best treatment options to slow down the progress of myopia.

Beyond the exam room, parents and caregivers can maintain good habits to minimize the impact of myopia and protect their children’s sight. Studies have shown that an hour of outdoor time each day for children may help to delay the onset of myopia 2,3. Remember to wear sunglasses and sunscreen while outdoors.

CAO also recommends limiting screen time. As they enter school, it may be challenging to limit screen time as their visual demand is increased with virtual schooling and electronic entertainment. Therefore, getting into a good habit of taking regular breaks from screens every 30-60 minutes helps relax their eyes. For all children , screen time is not recommended at least 1 hour before bedtime, to help with better sleep.

"Annual comprehensive eye exams are vital for helping children see brilliantly,” said Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada. “According to CAO and recent studies, the increased use of digital devices in schools and for entertainment is elevating concerns of digital eye strain and dry eyes 4,5. At Alcon, we are committed to addressing these issues and promoting life-long eye health."

Get ready to see farther

Healthy vision is an important part of a child’s overall well-being, allowing them to succeed in their everyday activities in school and on the playing field. The national campaign prompts parents and caregivers to take proactive steps about children’s eye health and provides resources to find their local optometrist.

The campaign assets will run throughout October on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify in both official languages to raise awareness about childhood myopia.

“In the short term, myopia takes away from children their ability to fully participate in everyday life. Correcting it is only part of the battle since the condition can worsen as a child continues to grow,” said Enrique Contreras, Country Manager, CooperVision Canada. “As a global leader in myopia control and management for children, we are committed to providing solutions specifically developed to control that progression, which can significantly reduce the risk of myopia-related complications and vision loss later in life.”

To find more about the CAO campaign, please visit: https://opto.ca/get-ready-to-see-farther

Sources:
https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/challenges-children-vision-problems
https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/myopia-nearsightedness
https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/playing-outdoors-can-help-maintain-childrens-eyesight

About the Canadian Association of Optometrists

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry and is dedicated to providing leadership and support to its 8,300+ members to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For more information, visit www.opto.ca.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca.

About CooperVision

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric, and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit https://coopervision.ca/.

About Sun Pharma Canada Inc.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is growing its presence in Canada, bringing together the power of a global network with localized research and care to address the unmet needs of Canadian patients and healthcare providers. Sun Pharma Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, is focused on providing innovative medicines in dermatology and ophthalmology, bringing greater access and support for patients. Patients and healthcare providers are at the centre of everything we do at Sun Pharma. Sun Pharma's commitment to listening, acting and caring means the team is able to respond to distinct needs and provide personalized care, while addressing important gaps in treatment and quality of life. Sun Pharma offers a wide range of affordable medicines for the Canadian population. Sun Pharma Canada has specialty products like ILUMYA, CEQUA, Winlevi and Absorica LD funded by both the public and private payors in Canada*. The current team in Canada is located across Canada with the head office located in Mississauga, Canada. To learn more, visit: https://sunpharma.com/canada-branded-products/

*Certain conditions apply depending on the medication.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001151104/en/

CONTACT: For media inquiries:

Julie Vanghelder, Director, Communications & Marketing,jvanghelder@opto.ca

KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION HEALTH CONSUMER CHILDREN GENERAL HEALTH OTHER EDUCATION OPTICAL

SOURCE: Canadian Association of Optometrists

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