Myopia Symptoms In Children: In today’s era, where digital gadgets have become an integral part of our lifestyle, weak distance vision i.e. myopia (nearsightedness) has become a growing problem in children.
Myopia is a condition in which you see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurred. Myopia may progress slowly or rapidly and may worsen as the child grows older. This condition not only affects the vision of children but also affects their studies and daily routines.
Causes of myopia (nearsightedness) in children
Dr. Anurag Wahi, Senior Ophthalmologist, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals says, “The main causes of myopia include genetics, excessive strain on the eyes and studying in low light.”
These things are also included in the causes of myopia.
Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when your child’s eyeball is too long from front to back. It can also happen when the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye, is too curved. When light hits your child’s eye, the rays fall just short of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Due to this, distant objects appear blurred and nearby objects appear clearly.
Measures to identify and check the symptoms of myopia
Like any other disease, myopia (nearsightedness) also has some specific symptoms, with the help of which you or your doctor can find out whether you have myopia or not. Symptoms of myopia include:
- Blinking frequently and rapidly.
- Not being able to see distant things clearly and feeling tired along with strain in the eyes.
- Feeling discomfort while driving, especially at night.
- Headache due to not being able to see properly.
- Looking with strain on the eyes or by constricting the eyelids.
- Excessive watering of eyes.
- Distant objects appear blurred.
treatment of myopia
- Glasses and contact lenses: Nowadays, specially designed glasses and contact lenses are available for children, which correct their vision. These prevent further weakening of ‘farsightedness’ from progressing. These work to improve myopia (myopia correction).
- Laser Surgery: Depending on age, laser surgery can also be an option. However, for this it is necessary to evaluate the age and condition of the eyes of the child.
- Regular eye check-up: It is important to get children’s eyes checked regularly and get glasses tested from time to time.
- Change in diet: Children’s diet should include adequate amounts of vitamins A, C and E, which are good for eye health. This includes green vegetables, fruits, eggs and dairy products.
- Sports and outdoor activities: Children should be encouraged to play outside more and spend time in natural light. It strengthens their eye muscles and can slow the progression of myopia.
- Eye exercises: Children should be encouraged to exercise their eyes. This includes moving the eyes around, blinking and focusing on distant objects.
Myopia prevention
Experts suggested these measures for the prevention of myopia:
- Teach children to read and write in the right light.
- Keep children’s screen time under control.
- Make it a habit to take regular breaks from the screen.
- Eat foods that are beneficial for the eyes.
- Advise to take adequate sleep.
Lifestyle changes needed to fight myopia
- Screen Time: Children’s screen time should be reduced and they should be encouraged for outdoor sports and physical activities.
- Right lighting: Studies and other activities should be done in right lighting.
- Balanced diet: It is important to take a diet rich in Vitamin A, C, E and Zinc for eye health. Consume green vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products.
“Myopia in children can be a challenge, but it can be managed effectively with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. Parents should be vigilant in taking care of their children’s eyes and encourage them to have healthy vision. Provide necessary resources and support.”
Dr. Anurag Wahi, Senior Ophthalmologist, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals
Healthy eyes are not only important for good vision but they also contribute to the child’s development and his future success.
