MYOPIA, or short-sightedness, is a refractive error in which distant objects appear blurred while nearby objects stay clear. This happens when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it.
Prevalence in Fiji
Around the world, myopia rates are climbing, especially among children. In Fiji, national statistics are limited, but eye care professionals report a steady rise in cases among school-age children. Contributing factors include rapid urbanization, increased screen use, less time spent outdoors, and growing educational demands. The shift to digital learning and greater recreational screen time, accelerated by the COVID-19 era, has intensified these concerns.
Why Myopia matters
Myopia goes beyond needing glasses. High myopia raises the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. Detecting and managing myopia early in childhood is essential to reduce these long-term risks.
Slowing myopia progression
International research shows several strategies can slow myopia progression in children:
– More outdoor time: Spending at least two hours outdoors daily helps protect against onset and slow progression by promoting healthy eye development.
– Balanced near work: Following the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes of near work, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
– Myopia control spectacle lenses: Special lenses designed to influence peripheral focus can slow eyeelongation.
– Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses gently reshape the cornea, giving clear daytime vision and slowing progression.
– Low-dose atropine eye drops: When prescribed and supervised by a professional, these drops have proven effective in reducing progression in many children.
Preventing Myopia in the first place
Genetics play a role, but lifestyle choices significantly influence whether a child becomes myopic.
Parents can:
– Encourage outdoor play every day
– Limit recreational screen time
– Ensure good lighting during reading or homework
– Promote regular breaks from close work
Treatment options in Fiji
For children already diagnosed with myopia, available local options include prescription glasses and low-dose atropine therapy. The key is early detection, with annual eye examinations for school-aged children.
A call to action for parents and schools
Schools can help by incorporating more outdoor activities into the curriculum and promoting healthy screen use. Parents should prioritize regular eye checks, especially if there is a family history of myopia. Myopia is manageable, and the earlier action is taken, the better the long-term vision outcomes for Fiji’s children. Small, consistent changes can protect the eyesight of the next generation in Fiji.
Added context and value
– Recent school screening programs in Fiji have demonstrated progress, with large cohorts tested and thousands receiving on-site care. For example, in the Central Division, about 18,517 students and teachers were screened across more than 30 schools, with a relatively low share showing vision problems.
– National and regional initiatives are expanding access to eye care. Partnerships like Island Eye Clinic with New Vision of Fiji and collaborations with Island Medical Centre are rolling out free eye screenings in rural and underserved areas, aiming to remove financial barriers to care.
– Nonprofit and humanitarian groups have already reached tens of thousands of people with eye care services, including free glasses and on-site screenings, underscoring a growing movement to improve eye health nationwide.
– These efforts reinforce the message that early detection and community-based outreach can reduce long-term eye health burdens and improve quality of life for families.
Summary
Fiji faces rising childhood myopia amid lifestyle shifts toward urban living and increased screen time. However, a combination of outdoor-time promotion, managed near-work routines, targeted eye care interventions, and expanding free-screening programs offers a hopeful path to protecting the vision of Fiji’s children through early detection, accessible treatment, and strong school- and family-level actions.
Positive outlook
With sustained investment in screening programs, public awareness, and school-based activities, Fiji can slow myopia progression in children and reduce future eye-health risks, building a healthier, more visually secure generation.
Notes for editors
– Highlight local success stories from recent eye-screening campaigns and the ongoing expansion of free clinics to rural areas.
– Consider quotes from health professionals or program leaders about the importance of outdoor time and regular screenings.
– Include simple, actionable tips for parents and teachers to implement at schools and homes.
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