Does Your Child Have Myopia? Signs to Look Out For

Does Your Child Have Myopia? Signs to Look Out For

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children, and early detection is key to managing it effectively. Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry, while close objects remain clear.

Identifying the signs of myopia early can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term vision complications. Here are the common signs to watch out for:

Squinting Frequently

If your child squints when trying to see distant objects, such as the TV or classroom board, it could be a sign of myopia. Squinting temporarily improves focus by reducing the amount of light entering the eyes, making it easier to see blurry objects.

Sitting Too Close to Screens

Children with myopia often sit very close to the television, computer, or tablets because they struggle to see from a distance. If your child consistently moves closer to screens, it may be time to have their vision checked.

Holding Books or Devices Close to Their Face

When reading or using digital devices, if your child tends to hold books or tablets unusually close to their face, this could indicate they are compensating for difficulty seeing clearly at a normal reading distance.

Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain

Children with myopia may experience headaches or eye strain due to the extra effort required to focus on distant objects. If your child frequently complains about discomfort after doing activities that involve seeing far away, like playing outside or watching movies, this is a red flag.

Struggling to See the Board in School

Academic performance can be impacted by undiagnosed myopia. If your child struggles to read the board from the back of the classroom or frequently asks to move closer, this could be a sign of nearsightedness.

Blinking Excessively or Rubbing Their Eyes

Children with myopia may blink more often or rub their eyes in an attempt to clear blurry vision or ease discomfort. While these actions could be related to other issues, it's important to consider vision problems, especially if these behaviors are persistent.

Complaints About Blurry Vision

If your child directly mentions that things look blurry when they try to see something far away, take their concerns seriously. Children may not always realize that what they are experiencing isn’t normal, so any mention of blurred vision should be evaluated by an optometrist.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Has Myopia

If your child exhibits any of these signs, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist. Early diagnosis can lead to effective myopia management, which may include specialized treatments like orthokeratology (Ortho-K), multifocal contact lenses, or low-dose atropine eye drops. These methods can slow the progression of myopia, helping your child maintain better vision as they grow.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Myopia tends to worsen as children grow, especially during the school years. Left untreated, high myopia can lead to an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. By addressing myopia early, you can help protect your child's long-term eye health.

Vision Solutions offers comprehensive pediatric eye exams to detect myopia and other vision issues. We are here to provide personalized care and help manage your child's vision for a brighter future. Visit our office in Lamar (417) 682-3301, Nevada (417) 667-2560, Webb City (417) 250-2828, or Stockton (417) 276-7070, Missouri. Call to book an appointment today.