Myopia in children is one of the most common vision problems of the current generation. More and more parents are noticing that their children have difficulty seeing at a distance, and the diagnosis of childhood myopia often occurs at increasingly younger ages.
The good news? Myopia can be controlled, and its progression can be slowed down with the right measures and constant monitoring.
What is myopia in children?
Myopia is a condition in which a child sees well up close but blurry at a distance. It is caused by the elongation of the eyeball or incorrect refraction of light.
Why do children develop myopia?
There are several main factors:
Screens and time spent indoors
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Children spend a lot of time in front of their phones, tablets, games, or doing homework, at a short distance from the objects they are looking at. This promotes the development of myopia.
Genetic inheritance
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If one or both parents are nearsighted, the child has an increased risk.
Lack of time spent outdoors
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Studies show that spending at least 2 hours a day outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia.
Insufficient light
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Reading or doing homework in dim light contributes to eye strain.
Symptoms of myopia in children
Watch out for these signs:
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Squints when looking into the distance
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Getting too close to the screen or notebook
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Complains of headaches
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He sits too close to the TV.
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Has difficulty reading the writing on the board
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Eye strain or excessive blinking
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist.
How can we protect children's eyesight?
Regular visits to the optometrist/ophthalmologist:
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First consultation at 6 months
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Then at age 3
Then annually or more often if there is myopia -
Careful monitoring helps prevent rapid progression
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Special glasses for myopia control
For children with progressive myopia, there are modern lenses that slow down its progression:
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Hoya MiYOSMART lenses
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Glasses with a special design for controlling myopia
At Optica Familiei, specialists can guide you toward optimal solutions.
Take regular breaks when reading or using screens
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Apply the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes → look 20 seconds → 20 meters away.
Proper lighting in the home
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Good lighting reduces eye strain and prevents eye fatigue.
Foods that support eye health
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Blueberries
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Oily fish
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Carrots
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Broccoli
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Nuts and seeds
When should you take your child for a check-up?
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if you notice symptoms of myopia
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if myopia increases by more than -0.5 diopters/year
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if they spend a lot of time in front of screens
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if there is a family history of myopia
At Optica Familiei, specialists provide professional consultations, personalized recommendations, and modern solutions for myopia control. Schedule an appointment now and take care of your child's eyes!
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, consult a specialist.
