Receiving a diagnosis of myopia for your child can raise many questions. Is it serious? How will it progress? What are the solutions? Myopia is now one of the most common vision problems among young people, but with a good understanding and appropriate follow-up, it is possible to preserve your child's visual health.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a visual impairment that causes blurred distance vision, while near vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea is too curved. As a result, the image is formed in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
In children, this can manifest itself as:
- Difficulty reading the blackboard at school
- A need to squint to see better
- Headaches after activities requiring distance vision
- A tendency to move closer to screens or books
Why is myopia becoming more common?
Several factors may explain this increase:
- Hereditary factors: a child is more likely to be nearsighted if one or both parents are.
- Lifestyle: spending a lot of time in front of screens and a decrease in outdoor activities promote the onset and progression of myopia.
- Environmental and school factors: some studies show that myopia develops more rapidly in environments where reading and close-up tasks are very common from an early age.
Can myopia worsen?
Yes. In children and adolescents, myopia often progresses until the end of eye growth, usually around the age of 18-20. Rapid progression can increase the risk of developing eye complications later in life, such as retinal detachment or macular degeneration associated with high myopia.
What are the solutions?
The good news is that there are now several ways to correct vision and slow the progression of myopia:
Corrective glasses or contact lenses: these allow you to see clearly and reduce visual strain.
Special contact lenses for myopia control (night lenses or soft multifocal lenses): these can slow down the progression of the disorder.
Ophthalmic lenses with myopia control technology: designed to slow down the growth of the eyeball.
A balanced lifestyle: encourage outdoor activities (at least 1 to 2 hours per day) and limit screen time.
The role of optometric monitoring
Regular eye exams with an optometrist are essential for detecting myopia early, monitoring its progression, and adjusting correction as needed. The sooner the condition is addressed, the better the chances of controlling it effectively.
Myopia in children is not uncommon and can be managed well with regular monitoring, appropriate corrective measures, and a healthy lifestyle. As a parent, your role is to remain alert to the signs, consult an eye care professional promptly, and encourage good visual habits.
