Early-Onset Myopia in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Early childhood myopia is an increasingly common school health issue that directly impacts a child's vision, learning, and development. Recognizing the signs early, understanding the causes, and implementing timely solutions are crucial for protecting your child's healthy eyesight.

Early childhood myopia is a difficult problem for parents today

What is Early-Onset Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. In recent years, early-onset myopia has become increasingly common among children worldwide, especially in urban areas with high exposure to digital devices.

In some Asian countries, research indicates that up to 50% of primary school children may already have myopia, sometimes as early as ages 5 or 6. If not managed properly, early myopia can worsen rapidly and increase the risk of severe eye complications in adulthood, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

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Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Children

It can be challenging to detect early signs of myopia in children as they may not be able to clearly express their condition. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
 

Myopia is an eye condition where children have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly

•    Squinting: This is the most common sign that a child is trying to adjust their vision to see distant objects more clearly.
•    Frequent Eye Rubbing and Fatigue: Children may experience discomfort and eye strain due to excessive eye accommodation.
•    Sitting Close to the TV or Holding Phones Close to Their Eyes: Children tend to get closer to electronic devices to see images more clearly.
•    Difficulty Seeing Distant Objects: In an academic setting, children might struggle to copy notes or see the board clearly.
•    Poor Concentration and Declining Academic Performance: Due to poor vision, children may lose interest in learning, and their academic results can be affected.
•    Poor Reaction to Distant Objects: Children might not recognize family members, friends, or objects from a distance.
•    Headaches and Dizziness: In some severe cases, children may experience headaches due to their eyes working excessively.

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Causes of Early Childhood Myopia

Myopia in children can be attributed to a combination of factors, primarily:
 

Poor lighting makes your eyes strain more, leading to decreased vision

•    Genetic Factors: Many studies indicate that children with myopic parents are more likely to develop early myopia.
•    Excessive Use of Electronic Devices: Phones, tablets, and televisions are leading culprits. The blue light emitted from these devices can cause eye strain and accelerate the progression of myopia.
•    Studying or Reading in Inadequate Lighting (Too Dim or Too Bright): Improper lighting forces the eyes to work harder, leading to strain and reduced vision.
•    Incorrect Posture While Studying or Reading: Poor posture, such as leaning too close to books, increases pressure on the eyes.
•    Lack of Outdoor Activities: Research shows that spending time outdoors helps relax the eyes and expose them to natural light, reducing the risk of myopia.
•    Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals for eye health, such as Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and Omega-3, can contribute to myopia.
•    Underdeveloped Eyes: The visual system of young children is still immature, making it more susceptible to external influences.

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Solutions for Preventing and Treating Early Childhood Myopia

Preventing and treating early myopia requires a combination of factors, demanding persistence from families and expert advice from healthcare professionals.

1.    Regular Eye Examinations
 

Wearing the correct prescription glasses helps you see more clearly

Frequent Eye Check-ups: Take your child for regular eye exams every 6 months or immediately if you notice any unusual signs. An eye doctor will provide an accurate diagnosis and advise on suitable treatment methods.

2. Adjusting Lifestyle Habits

• Reduce Screen Time: Minimize your child's exposure to phones and tablets. Apply the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes of close work, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away).
• Ensure Proper Lighting: Encourage studying and reading under natural light or adequate, glare-free artificial light. Avoid reading in the dark or under very dim light.
• Practice Correct Posture: Guide your child to sit upright and maintain an appropriate distance (30-40cm) when reading or writing.
• Increase Outdoor Activities: Encourage your child to participate in outdoor play for at least 2 hours daily. Natural light helps relax eyes and promotes healthy development.
• Balanced Nutrition: Supplement their diet with foods rich in Vitamin A (carrots, pumpkin, dark leafy greens), Vitamin C (oranges, guava), Vitamin E (sunflower seeds, almonds), zinc (seafood, red meat), and Omega-3 (salmon, mackerel).

3. Suggested Vision Support Products for Children

In addition to wearing glasses, parents can consider supplements to help their children maintain healthy, bright eyes. Look for products containing:

• Pure Algal DHA: Helps develop the retina, supports optic nerve function, and improves vision in children.
• Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Powerful antioxidants that protect the macula of the eye and minimize the harmful effects of blue light from electronic devices.
• Easily Absorbed Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc: Support vision maintenance, boost eye immunity, and help keep children's eyes healthy while reducing the risk of refractive errors.

Note: Choose products that are safety-tested, preservative-free, easy to consume, and suitable for your child's age.
 

By supplementing with proper nutrition, especially DHA and Lutein, you can help improve your child's vision.
For instance, Vitatree DHA supplements, containing high DHA from microalgae oil combined with Lutein, support brain and vision health from an early age. The synergistic effect of DHA and Lutein effectively benefits both your child's brain and eyes.

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Additionally, other methods may be considered by an eye doctor depending on the child's myopia condition:

-    Contact lenses: These are rigid contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea, improving vision during the day without needing glasses.
-    Eye exercises: Specific exercises can help improve accommodation and reduce eye strain.
-    Surgery (only for special cases): In some severe cases of myopia or those with complications, surgery may be considered, though it's generally not recommended for children.

Early childhood myopia is a significant challenge for children's eye health. However, by recognizing symptoms early, understanding the causes, and implementing timely prevention and treatment solutions, we can protect our children's healthy eyes, helping them develop comprehensively and confidently in their studies and lives. Always listen to your child and take them for regular eye exams for the best intervention.