Blurred vision when looking at distant objects is the main symptom of myopia or nearsightedness.
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
Your child may have nearsightedness if he or she:
- Sits at the front of the classroom.
- Moves very close to the TV or movie screen.
- Lacks interest in sports or other activities that require good distance vision.
Nearsightedness Symptoms
Along with blurred vision, your child may:
- Squint and frown.
- Get frequent headaches.
- Hold books or other objects close to his or her face.
Myopia Complications
Nearsightedness can lead to poor school, sports, or work performance.
Severe myopia presents a greater risk for more serious vision problems including:
- Retinal detachment
- Macular degeneration
- Premature cataracts
- Glaucoma
Ways to Prevent Nearsightedness
Here are a few simple ways you can help prevent your child from developing nearsightedness:
- Spend time outdoors! Getting more exposure to sunlight shows promise for lowering the risk of nearsightedness.
- Reduce or phase out reading in dim light.
Make an appointment at the Myopia Treatment Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Call 412-692-8940 to make an appointment for your child.
