October is Children's Vision Month!
This year, let’s shatter misconceptions and reveal the real risks associated with myopia which has evolved into a global public health crisis demanding our immediate attention.
Together, let’s #GetEyeWise!
CAO 2024 October awareness campaign was launched in partnership with :
Special thanks to our sponsors
The Mission is clear: Stop Myopia
With your local optometrist on your side, nearsightedness can’t run far. They can prevent, detect and manage a variety of eye conditions, including Myopia, before you even know they’re there. That’s why it is crucial that children get a comprehensive eye exam annually.
Beat the “Blur” aka Myopia
Myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the leading causes of vision loss, impacting an estimated 50% of the world’s population by 2050. A rising epidemic among school-aged children, especially, Myopia is progressing at a faster rate than ever before. As a visual condition currently affecting 30% of the population, myopia has evolved into a global public health crisis demanding our immediate attention. 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.
How often should your child get their eyes checked?
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. 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.
It is crucial that children get a comprehensive eye exam annually. Although Myopia has no cure, there are treatment options to slow the progression – but early detection is key. It is never too soon to see your optometrist!
A comprehensive eye examination is the best tool for the early detection of eye disease and several systemic diseases.
| Age group | Comprehensive eye exam frequency for low-risk, asymptomatic individuals. |
| Infants and Toddlers (birth to 24 months) | Infants and toddlers should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of six and nine months |
| Preschool Children (Two to five years) | At least one eye examination between the ages of two and five years |
| School Age Children (Six to 19 years) | Annually |
Find a Local Optometrist
Your optometrist can help you take control of your family’s eye health and protect their vision, now and into the future. Book an appointment today.
Protect Children’s Sight
Playing outside can help prevent the development of Myopia in children. Studies have shown that an hour of outdoor time each day for children may help to delay the onset of myopia1 ,2 . Remember to wear sunglasses and sunscreen while outdoors. Learn more about how you can support your children beyond the exam room.
Limit screen time: Get 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. Learn more about children and screen time.
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 alcon.ca
Other Alcon Resources
Visit the Alcon website to learn more about PRECISION1 lenses.
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 www.coopervision.ca.
Other CooperVision Resources
Watch CooperVision's myopia simulation video.
Visit CooperVision's website for more information on myopia management.
Visit CooperVision's website for more information on their MiSight 1 day lenses.
Read CooperVision patient testimonials on MiSight 1 day contact lenses.
Sun Pharma Canada
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 www.sunpharma.com/canada-branded-products/
*Certain conditions apply depending on the medication.
1 Guo Y et al. Outdoor jogging and myopia progression in school children from rural Beijing: the Beijing children eye study. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2019;8(2):2-2
2 Xiong S et al. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017;95(6):551-566.