What should be done for astigmatism in children?
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Astigmatism in children should be treated according to its severity. Mild astigmatism without any visual impairment or symptoms typically requires no specific treatment—only regular monitoring and maintenance of healthy eye habits, along with periodic ophthalmic examinations. Moderate astigmatism often affects visual acuity and necessitates intervention and refractive correction. Severe astigmatism must be corrected, usually with spectacles; in some cases, surgical treatment may be required.
Astigmatism is a very common eye condition, often occurring alongside myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Its primary cause is inadequate eye care. Although astigmatism is not life-threatening, it can still cause significant inconvenience for affected individuals. Therefore, prevention should be emphasized in daily life. So, what should be done if a child has astigmatism?
What to Do If a Child Has Astigmatism
Treatment for childhood astigmatism depends on its severity. In cases of mild astigmatism with no visual symptoms or functional impairment, no specific treatment is required; regular monitoring and maintaining healthy eye habits—including routine follow-up examinations—are sufficient. Moderate astigmatism may impair vision and thus requires intervention, typically through refractive correction. Severe astigmatism necessitates corrective measures—such as prescription eyeglasses—and in some cases, surgical treatment. Therefore, if astigmatism is suspected in a child, a comprehensive and systematic ophthalmic evaluation at a hospital is essential to determine both the degree and type of astigmatism, enabling appropriate, individualized correction.
Astigmatism is essentially an abnormal refraction of light by the eye, which—according to certain non-evidence-based practices—can be alleviated through regular eye-rotation exercises. Begin by sitting upright with your head and neck straight. Open your eyes and gaze forward at the center of your forehead. Slowly rotate your eyes to the right, attempting to “see” your right ear. Then gradually shift your gaze downward, and finally rotate your eyes to the left, trying to “see” your left ear. Performing this eye-rotation exercise daily may help improve astigmatism, though scientific evidence supporting its efficacy remains limited.
Patients are advised to use prescribed eye drops appropriately, as directed by a healthcare provider, to potentially slow disease progression. Additionally, avoid eye strain, sleep deprivation, and prolonged screen time (e.g., excessive smartphone use). Since astigmatism itself is not infectious, isolation is unnecessary; however, if concurrent eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis) are present, appropriate infection-control measures should be taken to prevent cross-contamination. We hope this information proves helpful.
