People of all ages, including children, can have myopia, also known as nearsightedness. People with this condition have trouble seeing far-off objects. It is essential for parents to monitor their children's vision and watch for myopia symptoms. Below are indicators your child may be myopic:

Family History of Myopia

If you or your partner are myopic, your little one may be more likely to develop myopia. Nearsightedness is hereditary, and kids with myopic parents are likelier to experience the condition.
 

Frequent Eye Rubbing 

If your child rubs their eyes frequently, it may signal eyestrain brought on by myopia. Eyestrain results when the eyes work particularly hard to focus on far-off objects. The strain may be temporarily lessened by rubbing their eyes.

Frequent Headaches

Eyestrain from squinting to see far-off objects can result in headaches. If your little one frequently complains of headaches, myopia may be the cause. Eyestrain, common in myopia kids, can cause headaches.
 

Squinting

A common indication your child may have myopia is squinting. Myopic kids squint to try to make distant objects more visible. They do so because their eyes must work harder to focus on said objects. By shrinking the size of the blur circle on the retina, squinting can aid in vision improvement.

Blinking Excessively

Your child's excessive blinking may signal myopia-related eyestrain. If they are blinking more frequently than usual, they may be doing so to relieve the effects of eye strain.
 

Sitting Too Close to the TV

It may be an early sign of myopia if your little boy/girl prefers watching TV or movies while seated too close to the screen. They can see the images more clearly when seated close to the screen. That is because myopia impairs distant vision.

Holding Objects Too Close

Nearsighted kids frequently hold items too close to their faces to see them more clearly. This refractive error may be present if your child holds objects closer than usual.

Difficulty in School

Nearsightedness can make it challenging for your child to read or take notes in class. That is because myopia impairs their ability to see the board or computer screen. This refractive error may cause a child difficulty seeing in class.

Avoiding Outdoor Activities

Nearsightedness makes it difficult for kids to see distant objects, so they may avoid outdoor activities like playing sports. Get your little one's eyes examined by a pediatric eye doctor if they seem to be shying away from outdoor activities.

Tired or Irritated Eyes

Myopia may be the cause of your child's complaining of tired or itchy eyes after reading or watching TV. Eye fatigue brought on by myopia may result in tired or irritated eyes.
 

Conclusion

Nearsightedness is a common eye condition that can affect children. Parents should be vigilant and look for the above-mentioned signs to ensure their child receives timely eye care. If you think your child may be nearsighted, see an eye doctor for an eye exam.

Myopia is treatable with corrective contacts or glasses and, in some cases, surgery. With early detection and proper treatment, children with myopia can have clear vision and go about their daily activities without any issues.
 

For more information on myopia or to schedule an appointment for your child, call Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia at (404) 905-1400.