Childhood Myopia
Causes of Childhood Myopia:
- Genetics: Myopia often runs in families. If one or both parents are nearsighted, there is a higher chance that their child will also develop myopia.
Environmental Factors:
- Near work activities: Excessive time spent on near-focused activities such as reading, writing, or using digital devices (tablets, smartphones) has been associated with a higher risk of myopia.
- Lack of outdoor activities: Studies show that children who spend less time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia. Natural daylight exposure and focusing on distant objects outdoors help protect against myopia.
Eye Growth: Myopia usually develops when the eye grows longer than normal during childhood. This overgrowth is often triggered during the early school years when children do a lot of close-up work like reading or screen time.
Symptoms of Childhood Myopia:
Blurred Distance Vision: The most common sign is difficulty seeing distant objects, such as the blackboard in school or a distant street sign.
Squinting: Children may squint to see things more clearly, as squinting temporarily improves focus by adjusting the shape of the eye.
Eye Strain or Fatigue: Children may complain of tired eyes, headaches, or discomfort after trying to focus on distant objects for an extended time.
Sitting Close to Objects: A common behavior is sitting too close to the television, holding books very close while reading, or sitting near the front of the classroom.
Difficulty in School: A drop in academic performance can sometimes indicate undiagnosed myopia if the child can’t see the board or read materials at a distance.
Diagnosis:
Eye Examination: A pediatric eye doctor or optometrist can diagnose myopia during a routine eye exam, which includes checking the child’s ability to focus on both near and distant objects. Visual acuity tests, retinoscopy, and automated refractometry are used to assess how light focuses in the eye.
Early Screening: It is crucial for children to undergo vision screening, especially before starting school, as early detection of myopia can prevent further vision issues.
Treatment Options for Childhood Myopia:
Prescription Glasses:
Glasses are the most common and straightforward treatment for myopia. They correct the refractive error by focusing light directly on the retina, enabling clear distance vision.Contact Lenses:
For older children, contact lenses are an option. They offer the same vision correction as glasses but may be more convenient for sports or activities. However, proper hygiene and care are essential to avoid eye infections.Atropine Eye Drops:
Studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops can slow down the progression of myopia. These drops are often prescribed for children who experience rapid progression of their myopia.Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
This is a non-surgical option where specially designed rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. During the day, vision remains clear without the need for glasses or contacts. This method has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia.Multifocal or Dual-Focus Contact Lenses:
New types of contact lenses that focus light in different ways have been developed to slow myopia progression. These lenses are designed to reduce the strain on the eyes while focusing on near objects.Outdoor Activity:
Increasing outdoor time has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia and may help slow its progression. This is thought to be due to exposure to natural light and the opportunity for children’s eyes to focus on distant objects.
Preventing Myopia:
Encouraging Outdoor Play:
Spending more time outdoors in natural light has been shown to help reduce the development of myopia in children. Experts recommend children spend at least 1-2 hours outdoors each day.Limiting Screen Time:
Reducing time spent on close-up activities, including screens and reading, can help lower the strain on children’s eyes. Parents can implement the 20-20-20 rule, where children take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.Good Lighting:
Ensuring adequate lighting for reading and other close-up work can help reduce eye strain.
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