It is only natural for a parent to be concerned about their child's health and welfare. While most parents focus on physical health, it is essential to recognize children's vision. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a widespread condition affecting millions of kids worldwide. It would help if you looked into the symptoms of myopia in your kids. This will help you take the necessary actions to ensure your child's vision is healthy.

What Is Myopia?

Before we dive into the signs of myopia, let us discuss what it is briefly. When a person has myopia, they can see up-close objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. The lengthening of the eye is the source of the condition. The lengthening causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. Myopia typically develops during childhood and adolescence and can worsen if left untreated.

Signs of Myopia

• Difficulty Seeing Objects at a Distance
   

A typical myopia symptom is an inability to focus on distant objects. Your child may have trouble reading the board at school or recognizing faces from far away. They may also squint or complain of headaches while trying to see objects in the distance.
 

• Sitting Too Close to the TV or Computer

Myopia may be present if your youngster sits near the TV or computer. They may compensate for their difficulty seeing objects at a distance by bringing them closer.
 

• Rubbing Their Eyes

Myopia may be present in your child if they rub their eyes a lot. The strain of trying to see objects in the distance can cause eye fatigue and discomfort.
 

• Frequent Headaches

Myopia can cause eyestrain, which can lead to headaches. It could indicate nearsightedness if your child complains of headaches, especially after reading or other visually demanding activities.
 

• Difficulty Seeing in Low Light
   

Myopia can make it difficult for your little one to see in low-light conditions. They may have trouble navigating dimly lit rooms or reading in low light.
 

• Squinting

Squinting is a frequent coping method for those with myopia. By squinting, they can temporarily improve their vision by narrowing the opening in their eyes. Myopia may be present if you see your youngster squinting frequently.
 

• Regular Eye Exams
   

Scheduling routine eye exams is the most effective approach to ensuring your little one's vision is in good shape. The American Optometric Association advises having a child's first thorough eye exam at six months. Subsequent exams should occur at ages three and five or six, respectively. After then, they should get yearly eye exams, especially if myopia or other vision issues run in the family.

Conclusion

Parents must recognize the symptoms of myopia in youngsters. Schedule a pediatric eye exam as soon as possible if you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above. You can prevent the condition from worsening with early detection and treatment, preserving your child's eyesight for years.
 

For more on myopia, visit Optometry Medical Group at our Seattle, Washington offices. Call (206) 888-6128 or (206) 888-6028 to schedule an appointment today.