What are they?
Refractive errors in children are visual focusing problems that occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly onto the retina (the layer at the back of the eye that captures images). Rather than being a disease, they are considered variations in the structure or size of the eyeball. The three main types in children are:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): Difficulty seeing near objects clearly (a mild degree is normal in infants, but a high degree requires attention).
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances, caused by an irregular curvature of the eye’s surface.
Causes
The primary cause is genetic inheritance. If parents or close relatives wear glasses, there is a much higher probability that children will develop some form of refractive error. The natural growth of the eye also plays a role; as the structures of the eye change in size, the way it focuses can vary.
Symptoms
Unlike adults, young children rarely complain about poor vision because they assume that everyone sees the same way they do. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to their behavior:
- Frequently squinting or rubbing their eyes in an attempt to focus.
- Getting too close to screens, books, or the board at school.
- Experiencing headaches or eye strain by the end of the school day.
- Having an eye that drifts (strabismus) or tilting their head to one side when looking intently at something.
- Poor academic performance or an unexpected lack of attention.
How do we treat them?
The primary treatment aims to ensure optimal visual development to prevent conditions such as “lazy eye” (amblyopia). Traditional options include:
- Eyeglasses (Glasses): This is the safest, most common, and most effective solution during childhood. Pediatric frames are typically flexible and made from durable materials, allowing children to play without risk.
- Contact lenses: These are considered a viable option during adolescence or in specific childhood cases where the child demonstrates the maturity required for proper hygiene and insertion.
