Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. Children with myopia typically have difficulty seeing the board in school, which can affect their academic performance.
Studies have shown that children with myopia have a higher risk of poor academic performance compared to children with normal vision. They have difficulty seeing the board, reading from a distance, and participating in sports and other activities. This can lead to frustration, poor self-esteem, and difficulty in learning.
The good news is that myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, which can greatly improve a child’s vision and academic performance. However, it is important to note that glasses or contact lenses only treat the symptoms of myopia, they do not prevent the condition from progressing.
Recent research has shown that there are ways to slow down the progression of myopia in children. These methods include:
- Atropine eye drops: These drops have been shown to slow down the progression of myopia by relaxing the focusing muscles in the eye.
- Multifocal contact lenses: These special contacts have different prescriptions in different parts of the lens, which can help reduce the amount of strain on the eye.
- Orthokeratology: This is a non-surgical procedure that involves wearing special contact lenses overnight, which reshape the cornea to reduce the need for glasses or contacts during the day.
- Outdoor activities: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, where they can look at distant objects, has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia.
It is important to schedule regular eye exams for children to catch any refractive errors early on. Parents should be aware of the symptoms of myopia and other refractive errors, and schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if they notice any of these symptoms in their child. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term vision issues and ensure that your child has the best possible vision.
Preventing myopia or other refractive errors from affecting a child’s academic performance is important. It is also important to remember that preventing myopia also means preventing potential complications later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
