What Causes Astigmatism in Children?

Jun 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
A common cause of astigmatism in children is congenital. This is primarily due to genetic factors leading to differing curvatures along the two principal meridians of the cornea—the main cause of astigmatism. Additionally, acquired corneal diseases can also induce astigmatism. If either parent has astigmatism, they should closely monitor their child for signs of the condition. Astigmatism can impair an infant’s vision, resulting in reduced visual acuity and visual fatigue.

  Astigmatism refers to a condition in which parallel light rays entering the eye from beyond 5 meters fail to converge into a single focal point on the retina after refraction by the eye’s optical system; instead, they form a focal line. Astigmatism is categorized into regular and irregular types. Regular astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, whereas irregular astigmatism cannot.

  What Causes Astigmatism in Children?

  The most common cause of astigmatism in children is congenital—primarily resulting from genetic factors that lead to differing curvatures along the two principal meridians of the cornea, which constitutes the main etiology of astigmatism. Additionally, acquired corneal diseases may also induce astigmatism. If either parent has astigmatism, close attention should be paid to whether the child exhibits signs of the condition. Astigmatism can impair an infant’s vision, leading to decreased visual acuity and visual fatigue. In such cases, objects may appear distorted, and the infant may even tilt their head to see more clearly.

  Dietary adjustments may help alleviate astigmatism. It is recommended to incorporate more foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin A into all three daily meals. Suitable vegetables include carrots, sweet potatoes, bamboo shoots, and tomatoes. Recommended fruits include fresh kiwifruit, peaches, and bananas. Furthermore, drinking a cup of goji berry and chrysanthemum tea daily may help mitigate the adverse effects of astigmatism on vision and exert protective and vision-enhancing therapeutic benefits.

  In daily life, cultivating healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is essential. We hope this information proves helpful to you.