Parents want nothing more than to see their children thrive academically and socially. One crucial aspect of their development is clear vision. Unfortunately, many kids today face a growing concern: myopia, also known as nearsightedness. By understanding the early warning signs of myopia, you can take proactive measures to protect your child’s future vision and eye health. In this blog, we explore some common signs of myopia in children as well as the best ways to manage this condition.
What is myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly while close-up vision remains unaffected. As myopia progresses, it can lead to more severe vision issues, which is why early detection is essential.
Signs your child may have myopia
Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate your child has myopia:
1. Squinting or straining to see
If you notice your child squinting or straining their eyes while trying to focus on distant objects—like the board at school or a movie screen—this could be a sign of myopia. Squinting can temporarily improve visual clarity, but it’s not a long-term solution.
2. Frequent complaints about blurry vision
Listen for comments like “I can’t see that!” or “Everything looks fuzzy!” when your child tries to look at something farther away. These complaints can indicate that they are struggling with distance vision.
3. Tilting their head or covering one eye
Some children may tilt their head or cover one eye to see better, especially when watching TV or looking at objects across the room. If you notice these behaviors, they may be trying to compensate for poor vision in one or both eyes.
4. Holding books or devices too close
If your child frequently holds books, tablets, or other devices very close to their face while reading or playing games, their vision may not be as clear as it should be.
5. Frequent headaches or eye strain
Complaints of headaches, especially after extended periods of reading or screen time, may indicate that your child is experiencing eye strain due to uncorrected vision issues.
6. Declining performance in school
If your child suddenly starts struggling academically, particularly with subjects that require distance vision, this might be linked to undiagnosed myopia. Children may not always express that they can’t see well, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in their performance.
7. Eye rubbing or excessive blinking
Rubbing their eyes frequently or blinking excessively may be a sign of myopia-related eye strain or discomfort.
What to do if you notice these signs
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s best to schedule an eye exam with a qualified eye care professional like our Frisco eye doctor. As myopia progresses, it can lead to more severe issues, including higher degrees of nearsightedness and complications such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma later in life. The risk of these conditions increases with the severity of myopia, making early detection and intervention crucial.
If your child is diagnosed with myopia, we offer myopia management in Frisco to help slow its progression. By addressing myopia early on, we can implement effective management strategies to help protect your child’s long-term eye health. Our myopia management options include:
- Ortho-k: These special overnight contact lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing your child to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. They are a popular and effective treatment option for slowing down myopia progression in children.
- Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses not only provide clear vision at all distances but also help slow myopia progression. By focusing light in a way that reduces strain on the eyes, these lenses help manage the development of nearsightedness.
- Prescription eye drops: We can also prescribe atropine eye drops to help control myopia progression. These drops are easy to use and can work alongside other myopia management treatments.
Let us help you protect your child’s future vision!
Recognizing the signs of myopia in your child is essential for helping them maintain clear and healthy vision as they grow. With proper management, children can thrive both in and out of the classroom. If you have concerns about your child’s vision or would like to explore myopia management options, please schedule an appointment at Contact Lens & EyeCare Gallery in Frisco, Texas.