Myopia is a very common visual problem in which we see very well up close but very poorly at a distance. According to the World Health Organization, 2.6 billion people around the world are nearsighted. Dr. Karin Arellano, ophthalmologist at our clinic, explains how myopia can affect the visual health of our children. Myopia is a very common visual problem in which we see very well up close but very poorly at a distance. According to the World Health Organization, 2.6 billion people around the world are nearsighted. Dr. Karin Arellano, ophthalmologist at our clinic, explains how myopia can affect the visual health of our children.

What is the cause of childhood myopia?

In the case of children, it is because they spend much more time using their near vision (on various electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and computers), they contract their accommodation muscle and then become “myopic”, affecting their vision and in many cases requiring the use of glasses if there is a predisposition.

What are the symptoms?

• The child does not see well at a distance, causing him/her to get too close to screens
• Rubs eyes due to eyestrain
• Winks constantly
• May develop headaches
• Starts to show poor school performance, among others.

How is myopia diagnosed in children?

For the diagnosis of myopia, a refraction (vision measurement) is performed. In the case of children, a cycloplegia (dilation with drops) is often performed. In this way, the measurements will be more accurate.

What are the alternatives to treat myopia?

Myopia is treated with negative or diverging lenses. If the patient reaches a stable measurement at 20 years of age, with an adequate cornea, he/she may be a candidate for refractive surgery to stop using lenses.

Our specialist recommends:

• Limit the time of use of all electronic devices: television, computer, cell phone.
• Take into account appropriate distances for the use of electronic devices: cell phone at 30 cm, tablet at 40 cm and computer at 50 cm distance.
• Limit the use of computers and electronic devices in children from 2 to 5 years of age to 1 hour per day. Establish exposure limits for children over 6 years of age and avoid the use of screens in children under 2 years of age.
• Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes of exposure to electronic devices by looking at a distant object 20 feet away.
• Blink frequently to avoid dry eye.
• Opt for natural lighting rather than artificial light.

Dr. Karin Arellano
Ophthalmologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma