Thicker Glasses Each Year Especially For Asian Children

For generations parents of all nationalities have watched their children’s eye glasses grow thicker and thicker, but parents of Asian children must wonder why their children seem to be unduly susceptible to nearsightedness.

“Studies are ongoing in the United States on nearsightedness and Asian children,” said Dr. Robert Gerowitz, an optometrist and orthokeratology expert. "The prevalence of nearsightedness in Asian children, as compared to children in the United States, suggests that Asian children are more prone to being nearsighted."

Approximately 40% of the United States population has nearsightedness or will develop it at some point in their lives. In a 1988 Taiwan national survey of children, the prevalence of nearsightedness was over 70%. A separate study conducted at the University of Hong Kong in 1994 found that 87.5% of the 2000 first year students were nearsighted.

According to researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Kowloon, myopia (nearsightedness) is particularly high among Asians such as Chinese and Japanese. Like other complex diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, myopia is likely to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors and possibly their interactions.

“The effect that environmental factors have on nearsightedness needs to be addressed in studies here in the United States,” said Dr. Gerowitz. “Until we know how strong the correlation is between Asian children and nearsightedness, parents of Asian children need to address the condition early in a child’s development to prevent the rapid advances in their nearsightedness.”

Nearsightedness is a focusing defect caused by eyes that have too much focusing power for their length. The eyeball is too long and light rays coming from a distant object come into focus before reaching the retina. With nearsightedness, as a child grows so do their eyes, and their nearsightedness becomes worse.

“Children with nearsightedness may complain of headaches, eyestrain and fatigue from trying to see something that is too far away,” said Dr. Gerowitz. “You may notice your child squinting, turning their head sideways, or just sitting closer to the TV to see it more clearly. If you notice any of these traits, take your child to an optometrist to have their eyes checked.”

Usually nearsightedness will begin to appear between the ages of eight and twelve and will increase during the teen years leveling off at about age 25. Nearsightedness can occur at any age though. Approximately 5% of children in the United States are born with nearsightedness and the condition has been known to start with adults as late in age as 80.

Nearsightedness in children is determined both by a recessive trait inherited from the child’s parents and the manner in which individuals use their eyes when performing detailed close-up work. In cases where nearsightedness is inherited the condition is impossible to prevent although treatable.

The only two treatments to correct nearsightedness are laser surgery and orthokeratology. Since laser surgery is not recommended for individuals whose eyes are not fully developed, orthokeratology is the only option for children. Orthokeratology uses computer designed vision retainers to reshape the front surface of the eye to slow down or stop advancing nearsightedness in children and teens. While similar to contact lenses, the vision retainers are worn only at nighttime during sleep. They are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses.

Dr. Gerowitz, a nationally recognized expert in orthokeratology, graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977 with a degree in Pre-Optometry. In 1979 at the Illinois College of Optometry, he received a second bachelor's degree in Visual Science and in 1981 was awarded his doctorate in Optometry. In 1994, Dr. Gerowitz was named "Best and Brightest" in Optometry by 20/20 Magazine and in 1997 Eyegrad, an association of Optometrists, named him "Optometrist of the Year.” A 23 year Palatine resident, Dr. Gerowitz is a member of the Rotary Club of Palatine and was listed as "Rotarian of the Year 1998-99." He has also served on the board of directors for the Palatine Chamber of Commerce.

For further information on Dr. Gerowitz write to Dr. Robert Gerowitz 4880 Euclid Ave. Palatine, IL 60067, call 847-705-7777, email dr.gerowitz@comcast.net or visit www.allaboutorthok.net.