New Child Myopia Report Highlights Looming Public Health Crisis for Australian Children
Announcement posted by CooperVision Australia and New Zealand 13 May 2019
Monday, 13 May 2019 00:01am
New Child Myopia Report Highlights Looming Public Health Crisis for Australian Children
Slowing progression of child myopia is critical
Today marks the official launch of ‘The Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Report – A Focus on Future Management’. This report, launched by the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group, brings together the latest evidence-based data to better understand this looming public health issue facing Australian children.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is forecast to reach epidemic proportions.[1] Alarmingly, increases in the global prevalence of myopia and high myopia (a refractive error*of at least -5.00D in either eye)[2] mean that by 2020, it is estimated that more than 2 billion people worldwide will be affected.[3] By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia.[4] 36% of Australians are predicted to be myopic by 2020 and by 2050, that number is set to increase to 55%.[5]
Luke Arundel, a member of the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group and Chief Clinical Officer of Optometry Australia comments, “Myopia is rapidly becoming a serious public health concern in Australia, yet new research[6] shows that 65% of Australian parents (with children 0-17 years old) do not know what myopia is, and only 12% of parents recognise the health risk that their children might develop later in life from child myopia. This is of significant concern given that high myopia is also associated with comorbidities including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy. The risk of developing any of these conditions increases along with any increase in myopia.”[7]
Mr Arundel continues, “One reason for the increase in prevalence of high myopia is that the onset of myopia is occurring earlier in life. In 1983, the typical onset of myopia was at around 11 years of age. However in 2000, the average onset of myopia was just 8 years of age.[8] Reducing the prevalence and impact of myopia and understanding influencing factors is critical.”
Myopia is a common eye condition that causes blurred distance vision and usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until the child stops growing. There are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia: lifestyle and family history.
Lifestyle: modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia. These include:
Family history: The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic.[12] However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain.[13]
It seems very little is known about lifestyle impacts on myopia. Less than 1% of Australian parents of children aged under 12 years say reducing screen time is the best course of action for primary-school-aged children diagnosed with myopia, and less than 1% acknowledged the role of increasing the amount of time spent outdoors.[14]
73% of parents do not know that genetics might influence the development of myopia in children, and 91% are not aware of the role that excessive screen time – TV, computers, mobile devices etc – can play in myopia prevalence and progression.[15]
Melbourne mum, Jenny Lau comments, “I have three daughters who have been diagnosed as myopic, so I am now very aware of the importance of managing myopia and not just simply correcting their vision.
“Having a discussion around the best way to manage their myopia with our Optometrist has been critical. Everyone’s eye sight is different, progresses differently, as is the case with my girls and should be managed using the best option for each of their circumstances,” concluded Ms Lau.
Joe Tanner, Professional Services Manager, CooperVision ANZ says, “The potential for future vision loss is alarming, so initiatives that highlight the rise of child myopia are an important step in reducing its prevalence and impact. The newly established Child Myopia Working Group is an important initiative which aims to set a recommended standard of care for child myopia management in order to slow progression of myopia in children. We would recommend a shift from not only correcting vision but to also include a discussion with parents that explains what myopia is, lifestyle factors that can impact myopia, the increased risks to long-term ocular health that myopia brings, and the available approaches that can be used to treat myopia and slow its progression.”
KEY STATISTICS:[16]
For further information about child myopia talk to your Optometrist.
To download a free copy of the report and for further information on child myopia visit www.childmyopia.com
- ENDS -
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WORKING GROUP
Members are (in alphabetical order):
There are a number of recognised treatment options with more being developed. All of these are available to Optometry and are already in regular use. However, many practitioners have still to establish myopia management within their practices.
ABOUT COOPERVISION
CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses, related products and services.
Issued by QUAY Communications on behalf of CooperVision ANZ
To download a copy of the Child Myopia Report click here https://www.childmyopia.com/wp-content/uploads/COO0678-Myopia-Report_FA-WEB-SINGLES.pdf and to arrange an interview with Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer, Optometry Australia, an optometrist and / or a case study please contact:
* Refractive error means that the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in a blurred image. The main types of refractive errors are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age) and astigmatism.
New Child Myopia Report Highlights Looming Public Health Crisis for Australian Children
Slowing progression of child myopia is critical
Today marks the official launch of ‘The Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Report – A Focus on Future Management’. This report, launched by the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group, brings together the latest evidence-based data to better understand this looming public health issue facing Australian children.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is forecast to reach epidemic proportions.[1] Alarmingly, increases in the global prevalence of myopia and high myopia (a refractive error*of at least -5.00D in either eye)[2] mean that by 2020, it is estimated that more than 2 billion people worldwide will be affected.[3] By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia.[4] 36% of Australians are predicted to be myopic by 2020 and by 2050, that number is set to increase to 55%.[5]
Luke Arundel, a member of the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group and Chief Clinical Officer of Optometry Australia comments, “Myopia is rapidly becoming a serious public health concern in Australia, yet new research[6] shows that 65% of Australian parents (with children 0-17 years old) do not know what myopia is, and only 12% of parents recognise the health risk that their children might develop later in life from child myopia. This is of significant concern given that high myopia is also associated with comorbidities including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy. The risk of developing any of these conditions increases along with any increase in myopia.”[7]
Mr Arundel continues, “One reason for the increase in prevalence of high myopia is that the onset of myopia is occurring earlier in life. In 1983, the typical onset of myopia was at around 11 years of age. However in 2000, the average onset of myopia was just 8 years of age.[8] Reducing the prevalence and impact of myopia and understanding influencing factors is critical.”
Myopia is a common eye condition that causes blurred distance vision and usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until the child stops growing. There are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia: lifestyle and family history.
Lifestyle: modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia. These include:
- Low levels of outdoor activity[9] and associated factors including:
- Low levels of light exposure[10]
- Prolonged near tasks such as reading.[11]
Family history: The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic.[12] However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain.[13]
It seems very little is known about lifestyle impacts on myopia. Less than 1% of Australian parents of children aged under 12 years say reducing screen time is the best course of action for primary-school-aged children diagnosed with myopia, and less than 1% acknowledged the role of increasing the amount of time spent outdoors.[14]
73% of parents do not know that genetics might influence the development of myopia in children, and 91% are not aware of the role that excessive screen time – TV, computers, mobile devices etc – can play in myopia prevalence and progression.[15]
Melbourne mum, Jenny Lau comments, “I have three daughters who have been diagnosed as myopic, so I am now very aware of the importance of managing myopia and not just simply correcting their vision.
“Having a discussion around the best way to manage their myopia with our Optometrist has been critical. Everyone’s eye sight is different, progresses differently, as is the case with my girls and should be managed using the best option for each of their circumstances,” concluded Ms Lau.
Joe Tanner, Professional Services Manager, CooperVision ANZ says, “The potential for future vision loss is alarming, so initiatives that highlight the rise of child myopia are an important step in reducing its prevalence and impact. The newly established Child Myopia Working Group is an important initiative which aims to set a recommended standard of care for child myopia management in order to slow progression of myopia in children. We would recommend a shift from not only correcting vision but to also include a discussion with parents that explains what myopia is, lifestyle factors that can impact myopia, the increased risks to long-term ocular health that myopia brings, and the available approaches that can be used to treat myopia and slow its progression.”
KEY STATISTICS:[16]
- 76% of parents of children under 12 years old believe being prescribed glasses is the best course of action if a primary school age child is diagnosed with myopia. In fact, there are many treatment options that should be discussed when managing myopia.
- Almost half (49%) of Australian parents of children aged 17 years and under admit they do not know what causes myopia.
- Only 12% of parents know of the lifestyle factors that have an impact on child myopia (low levels of outdoor activity, low levels of light exposure, prolonged near tasks such as reading and gaming on portable devices).
- 31% of Australian kids (17 years and under) have never been to an Optometrist to have an eye examination.
- 44% of children have not been to an Optometrist to have an eye examination before their ninth birthday.
For further information about child myopia talk to your Optometrist.
To download a free copy of the report and for further information on child myopia visit www.childmyopia.com
- ENDS -
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WORKING GROUP
- The Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group is a collaboration of leading optometrists and ophthalmologists from the Australian and New Zealand optometry industry.
- The Working Group’s aim is to set a recommended standard of care for child myopia management, in order to slow progression of myopia in children.
- By adopting an industry approach, it aims to drive fundamental change in the management of child myopia.
- The Working Group is underpinned by the belief that global collaborative action is needed to increase worldwide acceptance of the importance of myopia control / management in children.
- The development of the report, and the establishment of the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group has been enabled by CooperVision Australia and New Zealand.
Members are (in alphabetical order):
- Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer, Optometry Australia
- Dr Rasha Altaie, Ophthalmologist, New Zealand
- Margaret Lam, Optometrist and National President of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA)
- Jagrut Lallu, Optometrist and President of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand (CCLSNZ)
- Dr Loren Rose, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Australia
- Andrew Sangster, Optometrist and Board Member of New Zealand Association of Optometrists
- Chair – Professor Fiona Stapleton, Head of School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney.
There are a number of recognised treatment options with more being developed. All of these are available to Optometry and are already in regular use. However, many practitioners have still to establish myopia management within their practices.
ABOUT COOPERVISION
CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses, related products and services.
Issued by QUAY Communications on behalf of CooperVision ANZ
To download a copy of the Child Myopia Report click here https://www.childmyopia.com/wp-content/uploads/COO0678-Myopia-Report_FA-WEB-SINGLES.pdf and to arrange an interview with Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer, Optometry Australia, an optometrist and / or a case study please contact:
- Emma Norgrove, QUAY Communications, M: 0499 688 001, T: 02 9386 9161
- Cheryl Pettinau, QUAY Communications, M: 0424 157 714, T: 02 9386 9161
* Refractive error means that the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in a blurred image. The main types of refractive errors are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age) and astigmatism.
[1] The Impact of Myopia and High Myopia: Report of the Joint World Health Organization – Brien Holden Vision Institute Global Scientific Meeting on Myopia. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 16-18 March 2015
[2] ibid.
[3] ibid.
[4] ibid.
[5] Holden B; Fricke T; Wilson D et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 to 2050. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2016
[6] CooperVision Australia and New Zealand: Child Myopia in Australia – consumer perceptions survey. Conducted by YouGovGalaxy August/September 2018, conducted by YouGovGalaxy between Wednesday 29 August and Monday 3 September 2018. The sample comprised 1003 parents of children at home aged 0-18 years.
[7] Fricke TR, Jong M, Naidoo KS, Sankaridurg P, Naduvilath TJ, Ho Suit SM, Wong TY, Resnikoff S, Global Prevalence of Visual Impairment Associated with Myopic Macular Degeneration and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysys and Modelling. Br. J Opthalmol, April 2018
[8] Lin LL, Shih YF, Hsiao CK et al. Prevalence of Myopia in Taiwanese School Children: 1983 to 2000. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2004; 33:27-33
[9] He M, Xiang F, Zeng Y et al. Effect of Time Spent Outdoors at School on the Development of Myopia Among Children in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2015; 314:1142-1148
[10] Read SA, Collins MJ, Vincent SJ. Light Exposure and Eye Growth in Childhood. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2015: 56(11):6779-6787
[11] Ip JM, Saw SM, Rose KA, Morgan IG, Kifley A, Wang JJ, Mitchell P. Role of Near Work in Myopia: Findings in a Sample of Australian School Children. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2008:49(7):2903-2910
[12] Lim LT, Gong Y, Ah-Kee EY, Xiao G, Zhang X. Impact of parental history of myopia on the development of myopia in mainland China school-aged children. Ophthalmology and Eye Disease. 2014;6:31-5
[13] Ip J, Huynh S, Robaei D, Rose K, Morgan I, Smith W, Kifley A, Mitchell P. Ethnic differences in the impact of parental myopia: Findings from a population-based study of 12-year old Australian children. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2007:48:2520-2528
[14] CooperVision Australia and New Zealand, op.cit.
[15]ibid.
[16] ibid.