How Do I Know If My Child Has Myopia?

The American Optometric Association states that myopia occurs in over 40 percent of adults in America. The numbers increased by 25 percent over the last 40 years. The significant increase is linked with more children under three years becoming diagnosed with the condition.

 

Myopia or nearsightedness makes your child see nearby things but struggle with those far away. The condition is a refractive error commonly found in children. It is usually present when a child is born but develops as they become older.

 

Most parents may not understand myopia and how it can affect their children. It pays to know more about the condition to shield your child from suffering. For that, it’s crucial to recognize the early signs. Most children suffer from nearsightedness because their parents do not note the symptoms for a quick medical response. Below is how you can know if your child has myopia.

 

Holding Things Close to the Face

One telltale sign of myopia in your child is when they struggle to see distant objects. If they often hold things close for better visual, they have a problem. A child who routinely moves close to the television to enjoy what they’re watching could mean they are having difficulty seeing as normal. 

 

You can ask those able to express themselves how their vision is while looking at things far away. Ask them to watch their favorite cartoon far from the television and analyze their behavior for clues.

 

Headache Complaints

If your child complains of constant headaches, it could mean they have vision problems. It is essential to track the frequency and the nature of their symptoms. Some headaches occur due to changes in barometric pressure or as an allergic reaction to something. However, it is ideal to schedule an eye checkup if the headaches occur more than once a week.

 

Squinting or Reads With One Eye Closed

Squinting is an eye’s way of accommodating vision when it struggles to focus. Doing so changes the eye muscle tension for a minute, providing brief vision clarity for children with myopia. If your child forms a habit of covering or closing one of their eyes while reading, they may have vision problems. Doing so helps them overcome the vision discrepancy. 

Rubbing Eyes

Children too young to speak about their symptoms may express discomfort by rubbing their eyes. This may show they have digital eyestrain from too much screen time. If you notice your child routinely rubbing their eyes, you must get them to an eye doctor for a proper vision assessment.

 

Excessive Watery Eyes

Children with myopia experience eye discomfort. As a result, they tend to have watery eyes. Most parents confuse this symptom with allergic reactions. But if you notice your child has excess and consistent watering of the eyes, it is essential to take them for an eye evaluation.

For more about signs of myopia in children, contact Cobb Corner Eye Care at our office in Stoughton, Massachusetts. You can call us at (781) 344-3335 to book an appointment today.