Causes of Astigmatism in Children
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
There are many causes of astigmatism in children, with the most important being changes in corneal curvature. The primary function of the cornea is to refract incoming light, focusing it through the pupil onto the retina at the back of the eye to form a clear image. This image is then transmitted to the brain, enabling clear vision of the external environment. Therefore, when the curvature of the normally spherical cornea changes…
In recent years, astigmatism in children has become increasingly severe, coinciding with rapid advancements in science and technology. Many children begin using smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices at a very young age. Over time, prolonged screen exposure may lead to declining vision and the development of astigmatism—potentially exerting a significant impact on their future quality of life. Therefore, once astigmatism is detected in children, timely correction is essential. So, what causes astigmatism in children?
Causes of Astigmatism in Children
Astigmatism in children arises from multiple factors, the most critical being alterations in corneal curvature. The cornea’s primary function is to refract incoming light, focusing it through the pupil onto the retina at the back of the eye to form a clear image. This image is then transmitted to the brain, enabling clear visual perception of the external environment. When the normally spherical cornea develops irregular curvature, incoming light fails to converge into a single focal point on the retina; instead, it forms a focal line—resulting in astigmatism.
Astigmatism includes regular astigmatism, which occurs when the corneal curvature differs between a given meridian and its perpendicular meridian. Several subtypes exist: simple hyperopic astigmatism, simple myopic astigmatism, compound hyperopic astigmatism, compound myopic astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism. Most cases stem from uneven corneal refractive power and frequently coexist with myopia or hyperopia—both of which can be effectively corrected with eyeglasses.
It is recommended that children diagnosed with astigmatism receive prompt optical correction to prevent progressive worsening. We hope this information proves helpful.
