Prima Medical Center Saigon, Pediatric Ophthalmology & Ortho K, Eyes
Childhood myopia
28 June, 2023
Childhood myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is the condition of the eye when distance vision is more blurred compared with near vision. The earlier a child gets myopia, the more likely he will get high myopia as an adult. Myopia tends to increase rapidly between 5 and 15 years old, and usually stabilizes by the early twenties.
Childhood myopia arises from excessive growth and elongation of the eyeball. This results in light rays from distant objects focusing in front of the retina instead of on the retina. Distant objects are thus seen to be blurred but near objects remain clear.
The exact cause of myopia is not known, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of myopia, such as genetic factors and environmental factors like lack of outdoor activities and excessive near work. Myopia can lead to complications including retinal tear and detachment, macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma.
Treatment options for childhood myopia include wearing spectacles or contact lenses to bring distant objects into focus, and LASIK surgery, which thins the cornea to improve focus. However, these treatments do not cure myopia and the risks of complications still remain. Prevention and early management of myopia are important, including promoting good eye care habits, outdoor activities, and limiting screen time.
To help treat or prevent childhood myopia, parents can encourage good eye care habits from a young age, promote outdoor sports and activities, limit screen time, encourage reading with good lighting, and provide frequent breaks from near work or screens. It is also important to consult with a doctor about the latest advances in the field and consider interventions like eye drops or specialized spectacles.
Our Lasik & Refractive Care Team:
- Dr THAO Vo, Chief Medical Officer, Prima Medical Center Saigon
- Dr QUYNH Ha, Senior Consultant (Refractive & Lasik)
- Dr TRAN Nguyen, Consultant
Childhood myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is the condition of the eye when distance vision is more blurred compared with near vision. The earlier a child gets myopia, the more likely he will get high myopia as an adult. Myopia tends to increase rapidly between 5 and 15 years old, and usually stabilizes by the early twenties.
Childhood myopia arises from excessive growth and elongation of the eyeball. This results in light rays from distant objects focusing in front of the retina instead of on the retina. Distant objects are thus seen to be blurred but near objects remain clear.
The exact cause of myopia is not known, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of myopia, such as genetic factors and environmental factors like lack of outdoor activities and excessive near work. Myopia can lead to complications including retinal tear and detachment, macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma.
Treatment options for childhood myopia include wearing spectacles or contact lenses to bring distant objects into focus, and LASIK surgery, which thins the cornea to improve focus. However, these treatments do not cure myopia and the risks of complications still remain. Prevention and early management of myopia are important, including promoting good eye care habits, outdoor activities, and limiting screen time.
To help treat or prevent childhood myopia, parents can encourage good eye care habits from a young age, promote outdoor sports and activities, limit screen time, encourage reading with good lighting, and provide frequent breaks from near work or screens. It is also important to consult with a doctor about the latest advances in the field and consider interventions like eye drops or specialized spectacles.
Our Lasik & Refractive Care Team:
- Dr THAO Vo, Chief Medical Officer, Prima Medical Center Saigon
- Dr QUYNH Ha, Senior Consultant (Refractive & Lasik)
- Dr TRAN Nguyen, Consultant
Cataract