Does your child sit very close to the television, squint at the board in school, or complain that they can’t see things clearly from a distance?
It may be more than simply needing to “sit closer.”
One possible reason is myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness.
Myopia is a common vision condition in which nearby objects can appear clear, while objects farther away look blurry. It often begins during childhood, commonly between the ages of 6 and 14.
What Exactly Is Childhood Myopia?
In a myopic eye, the eyeball may grow too long from front to back, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
The result?
Your child may be able to read a book comfortably but struggle to see what the teacher has written on the board.
What Signs Should Parents Look Out For?
Children don’t always tell their parents that they cannot see properly. Sometimes they simply assume that everyone sees the world the same way.
That’s why parents and teachers should pay attention to changes in behaviour.
Some possible signs include:
- Squinting when looking at distant objects
- Sitting unusually close to the television
- Moving closer to the classroom board
- Difficulty seeing things from a distance
- Complaining of tired or strained eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Holding books or screens unusually close
- Difficulty recognising people or objects from far away
Some children with mild myopia may not notice obvious symptoms, which is one reason regular eye examinations are important.
Why Does Myopia Develop in Children?
There isn’t always one simple cause.
Family history can play a role. Children with parents who have myopia may have a greater likelihood of developing it.
Environmental factors also appear to matter. Research has found that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia, although researchers are still working to understand exactly why.
With children spending increasing amounts of time studying, reading and using digital devices, it’s important to create a healthy balance between indoor activities and time outdoors.
However, parents shouldn’t assume that phones or tablets alone cause myopia. The relationship between near work, device use and myopia is more complicated than that, and research is still ongoing.
Why Early Eye Checks Matter
A child may be doing well in school and still have an undetected vision problem.
An eye examination can identify myopia and determine the appropriate vision correction.
Glasses are commonly used to correct childhood myopia, and depending on the child’s individual situation, an eye-care professional may discuss other options designed to help slow myopia progression. Research has found that certain specialised multifocal contact lenses can slow progression in some children.
The important point is that myopia management should be personalised. Not every child needs the same treatment.
Can Childhood Myopia Become More Serious?
Myopia can become stronger as a child’s eyes continue to grow.
Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of certain eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment and glaucoma. This is why monitoring a child’s vision over time is important.
The goal isn’t simply to give your child glasses and forget about the issue.
Their eyes are still developing.
What Can Parents Do?
Encourage your child to spend regular time outdoors, maintain healthy visual habits and pay attention to any changes in their vision.
Most importantly, don’t wait until your child complains.
If your child in Lagos is squinting at the television, struggling to see the classroom board or constantly moving closer to screens, it may be time for an eye examination.
At Enny Eye Care, families in Ikeja, Ikoyi and surrounding Lagos communities can receive professional eye-care assessment and guidance for their children’s vision needs.
Clear vision can make a difference in how a child learns, plays and experiences the world.
Don’t wait for your child to tell you they can’t see.
Book a professional eye examination with Enny Eye Care and give your child’s eyes the attention they deserve.
Enny Eye Care — Helping Lagos families see clearly, today and into the future.