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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Children’s Vision in Focus: Myopia Management and Nurturing Eye Health

nurturing childrens eye health

By: Dr. Jessica Yang | Eyedeology Optometrist

We live in a world dominated by screens. From smartphones to laptops, children are spending more time indoors and on digital devices than ever before. While technology brings convenience, it has also contributed to a growing concern: the rapid rise of myopia.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long relative to its focusing power, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distance vision appears blurry. Myopia typically develops during childhood and often progresses through the teenage years.

Over the past few decades, myopia has reached near-epidemic levels, particularly in urban areas where screen time is high and outdoor time is limited. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 30% of the global population was myopic in 2020, with projections rising to 50% by 2050. This trend highlights the importance of early detection and intervention.

Myopia is more than an inconvenience requiring glasses. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of serious eye conditions later in life, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration. Slowing myopia progression in childhood can significantly reduce these long-term risks.

This is where myopia management plays a critical role. Unlike traditional single-vision glasses or contact lenses that simply correct blurry vision, myopia management strategies aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness while providing clear vision. Options may include low-dose atropine eye drops, specialty spectacle lenses, soft daily disposable myopia-control contact lenses, and orthokeratology (overnight retainer contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea). Early intervention offers the greatest benefit.

Comprehensive eye examinations are an essential part of preventive health care. In Alberta, a portion of the annual eye exam is covered for children under 19. Because 80% of learning is visual, undetected vision problems can affect academic performance, attention, and confidence.

Regular visits to an eye care professional can:

  • Detect myopia and other eye conditions early
  • Ensure prescriptions are accurate and up-to-date
  • Provide individualized myopia control strategies
  • Monitor eye health and reduce the risk of future complications

There are several ways to support your child to have healthy eye habits at home. Research shows that increased outdoor time helps reduce the risk of developing and progressing myopia. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily, weather permitting. Adequate sleep is equally important for overall health and eye development. Turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime and ensuring children get 9–11 hours of sleep per night can make a meaningful difference.

To help manage screen exposure, the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends:

  • Under age 2: No screen time
  • Ages 2–5: Limit to one hour per day of high-quality programming
  • Age 5 and older: Set consistent limits to protect sleep and physical activity

In today’s screen-focused world, proactive eye care has never been more important. Through regular eye examinations, evidence-based myopia management, and healthy daily habits, we can protect children’s vision and support their long-term eye health.

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Biography

Dr. Jessica Yang is an optometrist practicing at Eyedeology in the Rockyview Health Centre Building #1 in Calgary. She has a special interest in myopia management, Dry Eye Disease, and specialty contact lenses. For more information about our Myopia Academy visit www.eyedeology.ca. Dr. Yang is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Please email [email protected] or call 587-353-5061 for availability.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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