“Which way does the E point?”

If your little one fails a vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office, you may wonder what to do next. A visit to the optometrist or ophthalmologist can provide an accurate diagnosis.

One of the most common reasons children fail their vision screenings is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. This condition often develops between the ages of 6 and 14. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Myopia affects nearly 5% of preschoolers, 9% of school-aged kids, and 30% of adolescents. By adulthood, about 50% of people are nearsighted.

Children with nearsighted parents are more likely to develop nearsightedness.

Nearsightedness is on the rise, especially among children. According to eye care experts, the increase could relate to increases in the time kids spend indoors doing close-up tasks, such as playing video games and using computers.
 

Vision and Eye Development

Myopia in children develops when the eyeball is too long, affecting distance vision. Affected children can see objects that are near quite well but have difficulty seeing distant objects.

Myopia can also develop due to an excessive curvature of the cornea. When light enters the eye, the rays do not focus on the retina. The unfocused light rays make distant objects seem blurry.
 

Children’s eyes are still developing as they grow. You may be surprised to find out that some farsightedness is perfectly normal in kids, and most children with farsightedness do not experience blurry vision! Kids’ eyes and brains automatically compensate for it. But as they grow, children usually become less farsighted. Some of them may develop nearsightedness, which typically worsens through adolescence.
 

Symptoms of Myopia

Some of the most common symptoms of myopia in kids include:

• Frequent headaches

• Complaints of blurry vision

• Frequent rubbing of the eyes

• Squinting to see well
   

Diagnosing Myopia in Kids

A basic eye exam can diagnose nearsightedness. This exam includes eye health and refraction assessment. A refraction assessment determines whether one has a vision problem such as myopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness. Eye doctors use various instruments and ask their patients to look through several lenses to test their close-up and distance vision. They even have tools that can help patients who are too young to answer questions about their vision.

Not sure whether you want an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for your child? Here is the difference:

Ophthalmologists have a medical degree to guarantee that they can diagnose and treat eye diseases. They perform eye examinations and prescribe corrective eyewear. They can also perform eye surgeries.

Optometrists, on the other hand, have a degree in optometry. They perform eye examinations, prescribe corrective eyewear, screen for vision issues, and treat certain vision problems.
 

Treating Myopia in Kids

It is impossible to reverse or cure myopia in children. The purpose of treatment is twofold: to prevent the condition from worsening and to improve vision. Treatment is essential in protecting your child’s eye health in the future, even if they still need eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The standard treatment goal is to improve vision by focusing light on the retina through refractive surgery or the use of corrective lenses. Managing Myopia also includes regular monitoring for complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments or tears, and damage to the central retinal areas.
 

The Bottom Line

If you notice symptoms of myopia in your child, talk with your pediatrician. They will give your little one a vision screening, which will help you figure out the steps you need to take to help your child.

Contact Mid-Modern Eyecare at our office in Midland, MI, to learn about myopia in children. Call (989) 486-3025 today to schedule an appointment.