Some people may think that children don’t usually develop eye conditions, but one common vision problem they can develop is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Distant objects will appear blurry because when light enters their eye, it does not reach as far as the retina. When kids develop this condition, they can have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, and if left untreated, the problem may worsen over time. Read on to learn the causes and symptoms of myopia in children so that you can better diagnose vision problems in your younger patients.
What Primarily Causes Myopia?
A child can develop myopia if their eyes grow too quickly or continue growing at a stage when they should have stopped. Furthermore, the condition can be hereditary. Children whose parent(s) have myopia will likely develop the condition themselves.
What Other Factors Can Cause Myopia?
Other causes of myopia in children may include their activities and environment. For example, a 2022 study reported that doing things indoors and up close, such as watching TV, reading, playing games, or using a cell phone, could increase one’s chances of developing myopia. On the other hand, spending more time outdoors could lower a child’s risk of developing it.
What Are the Symptoms of Myopia?
Children with myopia may exhibit several symptoms, including having to move closer to whiteboards or television screens to see them clearly. Your young patients may also be experiencing myopia if they’re having difficulty in sports or other activities that require clear vision.
Myopia can also cause eye strain, which can lead to children experiencing discomfort or headaches. Keep these causes and symptoms in mind whenever you perform an eye exam on child with vision difficulties, and encourage their parents to bring them in regularly for eye exams.
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