An ophthalmologist has warned parents about the first signs of myopia in children

It can be difficult to recognize myopia in a child, but there are symptoms that indicate vision problems. Gayane Vardanyan, an ophthalmologist at SM-Clinic for Children, told Gazeta .ru on January 20.

"If we talk about the youngest children who cannot complain about deterioration of vision, parents should be alert to such symptoms as frequent blinking; eye rubbing; if the baby brings a toy to the face to consider; frequent headaches; the child squints or pulls back the corner of the eye to consider an object in the distance," she listed.

Vardanian pointed out that myopia usually begins to develop between the ages of six and 14 due to increased strain on vision, as well as body growth and hormonal development. However, in some children, myopia is congenital and develops due to hypoxia, prematurity or maternal diseases.

The ophthalmologist also noted that normally a child is born with plus vision, that is, with hypermetropia, which until the age of 14 is equalized into healthy indicators due to the development of the eyeballs. However, vision can go into "minus" due to visual strain at close distances, weakness of the body, prolonged stress.

Depending on the degree of myopia, the doctor can choose the appropriate treatment, the specialist noted. So, the child may be suitable for drug therapy, lifestyle changes, as well as wearing lenses - soft contact or orthokeratology night lenses.

"I advise parents to pay special attention to night lenses, as their use in childhood allows to slow down, and in most cases completely stop the progression of myopia. The earlier you start using them, the less myopia will progress," the doctor noted.

Vardanyan also recommended to undergo ophthalmologic diagnostics at least once every six months. The study should include examination of the eye fundus at a wide pupil to observe the state of the retina and ultrasound measurement of the longitudinal size of the eye.

Earlier, on December 23, ophthalmologist, refractive surgeon of the Vista Center for Innovative Ophthalmology Anastasia Baryshnikova warned that the use of garlands and pyrotechnics can cause eye injuries. In order to avoid unpleasant situations and not to spoil the holiday, it is necessary to follow the safety rules of using pyrotechnics and choose only high-quality products.