Association of Optometrists Ireland sounds alarm over myopia in children

Parents have been advised to get their children outdoors to help combat an ‘alarming rise’ in myopia flagged up by an Irish optical body.

The Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) this week launched its Bright Eyes children’s eye health week campaign between November 2-7, encouraging families to put aside video games, tablets, and TV screens and head outdoors.

AOI optometric adviser Lynda McGivney-Nolan said latest international studies showed an alarming increase in myopia, particularly in urban areas.

She said: ‘Short-sightedness is increasing by up to 80 per cent in some parts of the world – and there are clear signs of a significant rise in Ireland too. All of the major studies conclude that spending time outdoors on a daily basis, significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia. The message is clear, children need to get outdoors more to reduce this risk.’