Signs That Your Child May Have Myopia

A rising number of children are nearsighted. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distance vision is blurry. You should schedule regular eye exams to monitor your child’s vision. Watch out for signs that indicate your child has difficulties seeing distant objects.
 

Constant Squinting

If your child squints when looking at distant objects, it can be a sign of myopia. Squinting helps to clear the vision momentarily by forming a pinhole effect. Obstructing some of the scattered light rays that reach the retina helps to improve the clarity of the viewed object. When your child squints, the eyelids narrow the pupil entrance, briefly clearing up blurry vision.
 

Excessive Blinking

Blinking plays a vital role in keeping the vision clear. The involuntary action may be an effort to clear the vision. Blinking helps to spread tears over the cornea, providing nutrients and hydration. The tears also help to wash away debris and create a smooth surface, allowing light rays to enter the eyes. Frequent blinking can be a natural response to blurriness.
 

Frequent Eye Rubbing

Rubbing the eyes can be another sign of myopia. While it is unclear why the habit forms, it is a common response to eye strain or fatigue. Some people believe the physical pressure from the rubbing can cause a release of tears into the eye. It can help to relieve itchy eyes temporarily. If your child frequently rubs their eyes, you should schedule an appointment with the eye doctor.
 

Holding Items Close to the Face

If your child holds books, tablets, and other items close to the face, it could be due to myopia. Holding the objects at a normal distance causes blur. The child has to bring the book or tablet as close as possible to their eyes to see images. How close to their face the child holds the items will depend on the degree of myopia.
 

Sitting Close to the TV

Even mild myopia can cause blurriness when watching TV from across the room. If your child moves close to the screen, they may be trying to compensate for blurry vision. Talk to your child and find out if moving close to the TV makes images appear clearer. An eye exam will help to determine if the child is myopic.
 

Covering One Eye

Anisometropia is a condition describing a large prescription difference in the two eyes. Your child may cover one eye for clear viewing. A significant difference in viewed images can lead to eye strain, disorientation, and dizziness. Covering an eye to block one of the images helps to reduce symptoms. Studies show the dominant eye tends to be more myopic.
 

Being Unaware of Distant Objects

If your child seems unaware of people or things at a distance, it can be a sign of myopia. The child may have learned to ignore objects out of clear viewing range. Find out if your child can see people across the park or read road signs at a distance.
 

If your child constantly complains of headaches or the eyes feeling strained or tired, it could be due to myopia. Scheduling regular pediatric eye exams can help to monitor your child’s vision and eye health.
 

For more signs that your child may have myopia, visit Ciotti Eye Care at our office in Riverview, Florida. Call (813) 212-7400 to book an appointment today.