How to Recognize Myopia Progression in Children

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that often begins in childhood. Kids are more likely to develop nearsightedness if their parents are also nearsighted. Worryingly, this refractive error is on the rise in children. According to experts, this may be due to spending more time on indoor closeup tasks like playing video games and using computers. 



Vision and Eye Development



Nearsightedness happens when the eyeball is too long. It can also result from a steeply curved cornea. These irregularities cause the light that enters the eye to fall just short of the retina. This makes near objects clear and distant ones blurry. In farsightedness or hyperopia, close things are less clear than distant ones. 


Children’s eyes are still developing, so some farsightedness is normal. Most children do not experience blurred vision since their eyes automatically focus. However, they usually become less farsighted as they grow and may develop myopia instead. This condition generally worsens through adolescence and then starts to stabilize in early adulthood. 



Signs of Myopia Progression in Kids



Unfortunately, many parents do not fully understand childhood myopia or the options available to help slow its progression. The first step to protecting your little one’s eyesight is knowing how to recognize myopia progression in children. Some of the signs to watch for include the following:



Holding Objects Too Close to the Face



Holding objects too close to their face to see them is the most apparent sign of myopia progression in kids. You may also notice your child sitting too close to the TV. That is another clue they are having difficulty with distance vision.



Squinting



When your eyes struggle to focus, you sometimes temporarily fix the problem by squinting. When you squint, you cause a slight change in your eye muscle tension, giving you brief clarity. If you notice your child squinting more frequently, it may be a sign of worsening myopia. 



Consistent Headaches



Another symptom of myopia progression is consistent headaches. If your little one is complaining of frequent headaches, determine how often they experience these symptoms. Barometric pressure changes and allergies can cause some headaches. However, it is best to schedule a vision screening for your child if the headaches come more than once a week. 



Closing One Eye to Read



Children having trouble with their eyesight tend to close or cover one eye to read. The tactic overcomes myopia-related blurred vision. Also, closing one eye may help overcome a discrepancy between the eyesight of your child’s two eyes, offering some clarity.



Persistent Eye Rubbing



Children too young to recognize myopia symptoms often rub their eyes to relieve the discomfort. Make an appointment to assess your little one’s vision if you notice this problem.



Conclusion



Children exhibiting any of these symptoms should have their vision checked. Nearsightedness does not go away on its own. It often worsens if left unaddressed. To improve your child’s quality of life and safety, consult your pediatric eye doctor about treatment options for myopia that can help slow its progression.



For more on childhood myopia, visit Atlanta Eye Group at our offices in Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Perimeter, Cumberland, or Lenox, Georgia. Call (772) 272-9470 to schedule an appointment today.

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