Signs That Your Child Has Myopia

From when children are born till they are eighteen, their visual systems are constantly developing. Between one and eight years old, they experience their most significant growth. At this time, most of their visual system problems may develop. Some of these are hereditary, while the environment influences some. One common eye condition that affects a significant number of children is myopia.

Myopia is the most prevalent eye condition not just in America but also all over the world. In America alone, the number of people with myopia has increased by 25% in the past 40 years. Moreover, researchers believe that by 2050, over half of the world’s population will have the condition. These statistics make many experts consider myopia a pandemic. 

 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is an eye condition that affects distance vision and usually develops when you are young. While anyone can develop the issue, it is more likely to affect you if someone in your family has it. The likelihood of having the condition is significantly higher when one or both of your parents have it. 

 

The main cause of myopia is unknown; however, the visual system conditions necessary for its occurrence are well understood. Usually, patients with myopia have elongated eyeballs and bulging corneas. This eyeball elongation and corneal bulging starts when you are a child and progresses until you turn 18 or 20.

 

Risk of Myopia

Usually, the elongation is not severe, likely stopping when your vision stabilizes. However, you can have a condition called high myopia, where the progression is severe, predisposing you to other eye issues like retinal detachment. Sometimes, the progression does not stop after your vision stabilizes, continuing into adulthood. 

 

Because of these dangers, early diagnosis is critical in managing the condition. Myopia management is essential for slowing the progression of the condition. You can preserve your child’s vision and give them a better and safer future.

Signs Your Child Has Myopia

While the best way to detect myopia is through a comprehensive eye exam, you can notice it through observation. When it develops, your child may display peculiar habits. Here are the most common telltale signs your child has myopia.

Holding Objects Closer to the Face

One of the first signs of myopia is needing to get close to something to see or read it. This habit can appear when your child looks at pictures in a book or watch TV. You may notice your child slowly shifting closer to the screen when watching TV. It is an attempt to compensate for the loss of distance vision. 

 

Squinting

Another common habit that usually develops is squinting. When your child cannot physically move closer to something, you may notice them squinting. While people may squint to see further, you will notice your child squinting to look at something relatively close. 

 

Headaches

Another common symptom of developing myopia is headaches. Due to the effort your child may need to exert to see, they may develop headaches. You should especially pay keen attention when they complain repeatedly.

Rubbing Their Eyes

If your child is too young to recognize a headache, they will likely rub their eyes. Constant eye rubbing is an indication of ocular discomfort common in myopia.


 

For more on signs that your child has myopia, visit Diamond Bar Optometric Center at our office in Diamond Bar, California. Call (909) 861-4999 to book an appointment today.