How is astigmatism in children treated?

There are many causes of astigmatism, the most important being changes in corneal curvature. After developing astigmatism, individuals may experience various adverse symptoms—including blurred vision, visual fatigue, and, in some cases, dizziness. Therefore, timely treatment is essential following diagnosis, along with appropriate daily care measures. So, how is astigmatism treated in children?

How to Treat Astigmatism in Children

Children with astigmatism should maintain proper eye posture, practice good ocular hygiene, and balance work and rest appropriately. When astigmatism is present, special attention must be paid to eye posture during daily activities. For instance, if a child frequently uses a computer, the center of the screen should be positioned at chest level, and the distance between the eyes and the screen should be approximately 50 cm. Prolonged screen time should be avoided, as it may exacerbate astigmatism symptoms. Instead, regular breaks—ideally every 30–60 minutes—are recommended to help preserve and even improve visual function. Likewise, while reading, children should adopt correct posture, maintaining a distance of 30–40 cm between their eyes and the book, under adequate lighting. Poor ocular hygiene is a common contributing factor to many eye conditions.

Astigmatic individuals should consciously integrate rest into their daily routines. After one hour of continuous visual work, the eyes should rest for about 10 minutes. Options include performing eye exercises or using lubricating or therapeutic eye drops—both of which can significantly benefit visual health. Additionally, engaging in light physical activity involving the hands, feet, and head during rest periods promotes overall physical and mental well-being. Environmental factors also matter: lighting should be moderate—not overly bright nor dim—and direct light should be prevented from reflecting off the computer screen, as glare can interfere with vision. Indoor dust should be cleaned regularly, and windows should be opened frequently to ensure good air circulation.

Dietary recommendations include consuming foods rich in vitamins—such as carrots, potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkin, spinach, and corn—as well as foods containing astaxanthin, including kelp, shrimp, and salmon. Additionally, animal liver, peanuts, lean meat, vegetables, egg yolks, and butter are beneficial. We hope this information proves helpful.