Myopia is a growing vision concern for children globally. It not only affects how they see but can also impact their academic performance and overall development. Early intervention is key to managing myopia effectively and preventing severe complications. This guide will equip parents with essential strategies to protect their child’s eyesight.

Understanding Myopia Progression

Once myopia starts in childhood, it often progresses rapidly, typically stabilizing in the late teenage years. If unmanaged, it increases the risk of severe complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Early detection and management are therefore critical.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Recognizing the early signs of myopia can help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some common indicators that your child may be experiencing myopia:

1. Squinting: If your child squints frequently, especially when trying to see distant objects, it may be an attempt to bring objects into clearer focus.
2. Sitting Too Close to Screens: Children with myopia often sit very close to the television, hold books close to their face, or lean in too close to digital screens. This helps them see more clearly but may also indicate that distant vision is impaired.
3. Complaining of Blurry Vision: Children may express that they cannot see the board in class clearly or that distant objects appear fuzzy. They may also have difficulty recognizing people or objects from a distance.
4. Frequent Eye Rubbing: This can be a sign of eye fatigue or strain, often associated with uncorrected myopia.
5. Headaches or Eye Strain: Children with myopia often experience headaches or discomfort in their eyes, especially after engaging in activities that require focusing on distant objects.
6. Tilting the Head or Covering One Eye: If your child tilts their head or covers one eye while trying to read or focus, this may indicate that one eye has clearer vision than the other, a possible sign of myopia.
7. Poor Performance in School or Sports: Unclear vision can impact a child’s academic performance, as they may struggle to see the blackboard clearly. Myopia can also affect sports activities that require seeing far away.

Severe Complications of Myopia

As myopia progresses to higher levels (beyond -6.00 diopters), children are at risk of developing severe eye health complications, including:

1. Retinal Detachment
   • High myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, a medical emergency where the retina separates from the eye’s back wall, potentially causing permanent vision loss.
2. Myopic Maculopathy
   • Also known as myopic macular degeneration, this condition damages the macula (the retina’s central area) and can lead to irreversible central vision loss.
3. Glaucoma
   • The risk of glaucoma, a condition caused by increased pressure in the eye, is two to three times higher in children with high myopia. It can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
4. Early-Onset Cataracts
   • Severe myopia is linked to a higher likelihood of developing cataracts earlier in life. Cataracts can cause cloudy vision and require surgical treatment to restore sight.
5. Visual Impairment
   • If left untreated, progressive myopia can result in significant visual impairment, affecting daily life and quality of life.

Effective Solutions for Myopia Management in Children

Here are some proven strategies for managing myopia in children:

1. Regular Eye Check-ups: Early detection through regular eye examinations can help manage myopia effectively. Parents should ensure their children have an eye check at least once a year.
2. Myopia Control Lenses: Specialized eyeglasses or contact lenses designed to slow down myopia progression are an effective option.
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These are specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing the progression of myopia.
4. Increased Outdoor Activities: Encourage children to spend more time outdoors, ideally 1-2 hours daily, to help prevent or slow myopia progression.
5. Screen Time Management: Limit prolonged screen time, and ensure children take breaks every 20 minutes when engaged in near work.

The Role of Parents in Myopia Management

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s eye health. Here’s how you can be proactive:

• Observe Your Child’s Behavior: Be attentive to signs like squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaints about blurry vision. These are red flags that warrant an eye examination.

• Limit Close-Up Work: Encourage children to take breaks during homework or screen time. Remind them to maintain a healthy distance from screens and books.

• Model Healthy Eye Habits: Lead by example by practicing good screen habits, wearing sunglasses outdoors, and getting regular eye check-ups. Children are more likely to adopt good habits when they see adults doing the same.

Final Thoughts

Myopia management is not just about correcting vision—it’s about proactive care that can protect your child’s long-term eye health. Early detection, regular eye exams, and lifestyle modifications are key to slowing myopia progression. Don’t wait—schedule an eye examination for your child today!

To book an eye check for your child, visit United Eyecare:

United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/+6598251377
📞 63976885

United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/+6588070495
📞 62978298