Why Do Kids Have Bad Eyesight?

When you have a child, it may seem like they are perfect in every way. But sometimes, children can be born with or develop bad eyesight. Poor eyesight in children can result in development delays and worse. That’s why you should bring your child in for aneye exam in Coldwater, MS, no later than one year old. Doing so could help with early diagnosis or prevention of bad eyesight. The following are some of the common reasons why kids have bad eyesight:

Pediatric Myopia

It’s very rare for a baby to be born with pediatric myopia. Myopia is a condition where the eyeball is misshapen and elongated. This results in a refractive error, on the inside of the eye. Myopia is commonly called nearsightedness. It most often develops in childhood and adolescence. Caught early enough in its progression, it may be reduced or prevented. For treatment forpediatric myopia control in Coldwater, MS, contact Coldwater Vision Center.

Excessive Screen Time

The amount of time that kids sit in front of a screen is a leading factor in bad eyesight. Two factors come into play. The first is that screens emit blue light, which professionals know to be harmful to the eyes in high quantities. The second is the proximity to the screen. If the eyes are only focusing on close-up things, i.e., screens, the majority of the time, then the muscles involved in focusing on things in the distance can weaken, resulting in myopia.

Lack of Outdoor Activity

Exercise, fresh air, and sunshine all help a child’s body develop healthily, including the eyes. Being indoors the majority of the time doesn’t offer the same benefits. A healthy balance of indoor and outdoor activities could prevent bad eyesight in children.

Underlying Health Conditions

In rare instances, certain systemic health conditions, such as diabetes or juvenile arthritis, can lead to vision problems in children. These conditions can cause complications like diabetic retinopathy or uveitis, which impair vision. If your child does have an underlying health condition, it’s important that you share this with your child’s pediatric optometrist.

Children’s eyesight can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, along with lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. For help and treatment with your child’s eyesight, contact us today.