Am I Nearsighted?
Being nearsighted (myopia) is a common vision condition confirmed by a basic eye exam. If you are nearsighted, you can clearly see objects near to you, however, objects that are farther away appear blurry. Depending on the degree of your nearsightedness, your ability to focus on distant objects may be quite challenging. People with severe nearsightedness may struggle to focus on objects just a few feet away, while those with mild nearsightedness may clearly see objects that are up to several yards away.
What Are The Symptoms?
Headaches
Caused by excessive eyestrain
Difficulty driving
Especially at night
Feeling fatigued
When driving or playing sports
Blurry vision
When looking at distant objects
Squinting
Or partially closing the eyelids to see clearly
How Do I Know If My Child Is Nearsighted?
Your child may be nearsighted if he or she squints or frowns, gets headaches often, or holds books or other objects very close to his or her face. Children who are nearsighted may sit at the front of the classroom or very close to the TV or movie screen. They may not be interested in sports or other activities that require good distance vision.
Your child may also display the following symptoms:
- Persistent squinting
- Need to sit closer to the television, movie screen or the front of the classroom
- Hold books very close while reading
- Seem to be unaware of distant objects
- Excessive blinking
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Poor grades or falling behind in school
Paragon Vision Sciences supports and recommends an annual eye exam regardless of age or whether they are experiencing eye care symptoms. Treating nearsightedness early may prevent children from having trouble in school and social settings. If you think your child may be nearsighted, see an eye care specialist.
What Causes Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness is the inability to see objects at a distance clearly. In people with myopia, the eyeball is usually slightly longer than normal from front to back. Light rays which make up the images you see, focus in front of, rather than directly on the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. When this happens, objects at a distance seem blurry and unclear.
The Nearsighted Eye
In the nearsighted eye light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
The Normal Eye
In the normal eye the cornea allows light to focus on the retina allowing you to see items in the distance clearly.
Progressive myopia or nearsightedness is predominantly caused by genetics. Children inherit the tendency to develop the eye condition from their parents. How a person uses their eyes, such as often performing detailed or up-close work, may also have an influence on the progression of nearsightedness. Children need their vision checked at 6 months, 3 years, and before first grade. This is especially important if there is a family history of progressive nearsightedness or other eye conditions.
Can Nearsightedness Be Prevented?
Since nearsightedness is often inherited, it is not totally possible to prevent it. There are steps; however, you can take to minimize its effect. Make sure your child is examined early, especially if there is a family history of progressive nearsightedness or other eye conditions.
How Is Nearsightedness Treated In Children?
Many factors contribute to the speed with which nearsightedness may develop, but it often worsens rapidly during childhood and adolescence. It is, however, still controversial whether progressive nearsightedness in children can be slowed down. Children with nearsightedness can wear eyeglasses or also start wearing contact lenses when they are mature enough to take care of them. This often depends on how involved the parents are in caring for the contact lenses.
Paragon CRT® contact lenses are FDA approved for anyone with low to advanced nearsightedness and who may or may not have astigmatism. For children and teens it is a non-surgical method of possibly improving vision while they sleep. When worn every night, Paragon CRT® contact lenses help you wake up to clearer vision every day. If you or your child are nearsighted and want freedom from daytime contacts or glasses without surgery, ask your certified Paragon CRT® contact lens eye care professional if these lenses are right for you.
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