Myopia is a common eye disorder frequently encountered during childhood and can hinder the clear vision of distant objects. The education and everyday lives of school-age children can be particularly adversely affected by this condition. Symptoms of myopia may include clear vision of nearby objects, blurred vision of distant objects, frequent headaches, and a decline in school performance.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects cannot be seen clearly. When the eye's refractive power increases, incoming light is focused in front of the retina, resulting in a blurry image. This condition is often referred to as nearsightedness.
What is Myopic Astigmatism in Children?
Myopic astigmatism is a condition in children where both myopia and astigmatism refractive errors occur simultaneously. This combination can cause images to appear not only blurry but also wavy or distorted.
In astigmatism, the cornea or lens of the eye, which normally should have a round shape, is more oval in curvature. This situation leads to the inability of light to focus evenly on the retina.
What Causes Myopia in Children?
Myopia can occur due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Common causes include:
Genetic Factors
Myopia is more frequently seen in children who have a family history of the condition. If one parent is myopic, the child has a 30-40% chance of being myopic, while if both parents are myopic, this rate can increase to 50-60%.
Lack of Outdoor Time
Children who spend at least 2 hours outside daily have a lower risk of developing myopia.
Vitamin Deficiency and Nutritional Habits
Inadequate intake of vitamins A, C, and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for eye health, may negatively affect eye development.
Screen Use
Prolonged screen time, reading, or engaging in activities that require close focus is known to accelerate the development of myopia. Factors such as insufficient natural light and constant focusing on near objects also contribute to myopia.
What are the Symptoms of Myopia in Children?
The development of myopia in children may not always present with obvious symptoms. Especially younger children may have difficulty expressing vision problems or may not be aware of them. Therefore, parents should carefully observe their children's visual behavior.
The following situations may be signs of myopia development:
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Inability to read the board at school
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Watching TV too closely
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Squinting to see
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Frequent headaches and eye strain
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Holding reading or writing materials very close
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Distractibility and a decline in school performance
Does Myopia Progress in Children?
Myopia tends to progress during childhood. It is particularly observed to progress rapidly between the ages of 6-18. Factors such as increased screen time, reduced outdoor activities, and genetic predisposition can accelerate the progression of myopia.
How Can the Progression of Myopia be Slowed in Children?
There are various methods to slow the progression of myopia.
1. Atropine Drops
Low-concentration (%0.01) atropine eye drops can be a potential solution to reduce the progression of myopia. It is recommended to use these drops under medical supervision as they can relax the eye muscles and help control eye growth.
2. Ortho-K Lenses (Night Lenses)
Ortho-K lenses are special contact lenses worn at night that temporarily reshape the cornea and may slow the progression of myopia.
3. Outdoor Activities
Spending at least 2 hours outdoors each day can have a significant effect in slowing the progression of myopia.
4. Limiting Screen Time
Reducing the time spent in front of computer screens and following the 20-20-20 rule can help rest the eyes and prevent the progression of myopia.
How is Myopia Treated in Children?
Myopia in children might not heal spontaneously, but its progression can be slowed or controlled by taking appropriate measures.
Methods used in the treatment of myopia include:
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Using Glasses: This is the most preferred treatment option for children.
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Atropine Drops: Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil. Low-dose atropine eye drops are prescribed to slow the progression of myopia.
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Ortho-K (Night Lens) Application: Ortho-K lenses are special lenses worn during sleep and removed in the morning, providing clear vision by temporarily correcting the cornea's shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can myopia be completely cured in children?
Myopia is a refractive error that can be corrected with visual aids like glasses or contact lenses; however, it is not expected to completely heal on its own. Some modern treatment methods may slow the progression of myopia.
When does myopia progression slow in children?
Myopia usually starts in childhood and may continue to progress until late adolescence. After the age of 18–20, when the eye structure becomes stable, the progression may slow or stop, though this can vary from person to person.
How is the progression of myopia detected?
If a child can no longer clearly see objects they once could, or if frequent increases in lens prescription are needed, myopia may be progressing. The degree of progression can be accurately monitored through refractive error measurements by an eye specialist.
Does digital screen usage cause myopia in children?
Screen use does not directly cause myopia, but prolonged close-range focus can contribute to eye strain and the development of myopia. This effect can be more pronounced in children with decreased outdoor activities in natural light.