What are the causes of astigmatism in children?

Generally, astigmatism in children may be caused by irregular corneal development, prolonged eyelid pressure on the cornea, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconus, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Irregular Corneal Development

During growth and development, children may have congenital irregularities in corneal shape—for example, inconsistent curvature radii along different corneal meridians—which can prevent incoming light from accurately focusing on the retina, causing astigmatism. This condition is considered a physiological developmental variation. If the degree of astigmatism is low and does not affect vision, regular vision examinations are sufficient. In daily life, ensure children develop good eye habits, avoid prolonged near-eye work, and reduce time spent using electronic devices.

2. Prolonged Eyelid Pressure on the Cornea

Children with a habit of frequently rubbing their eyes or those experiencing eyelid swelling may develop sustained eyelid pressure on the cornea, altering its shape and curvature, which may lead to astigmatism. Promptly correct the child's habit of rubbing eyes and explain the potential harm. If eyelid swelling is the cause, identify and address the underlying cause accordingly. Meanwhile, ensure the child maintains good ocular hygiene and avoids external eye irritation.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis can cause significant eye itching in children, and frequent eye rubbing may alter corneal shape. Inflammation may also affect the ocular surface environment, indirectly causing or worsening astigmatism. Under a doctor's guidance, antiallergy eye drops such as olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, emedastine difumarate ophthalmic solution, or levocabastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution may be used to relieve symptoms. Identify the allergen and ensure the child avoids exposure—for example, pollen, dust mites—and maintain a clean indoor environment, regularly washing bedding.

4. Keratitis

When the cornea is infected by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, inflammation may cause corneal edema and infiltration, changing the corneal curvature and resulting in astigmatism, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain, photophobia, and tearing. For bacterial infection, antibiotic eye drops such as tobramycin ophthalmic solution, levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, or chloramphenicol ophthalmic solution may be used under a doctor's guidance. For viral infection, antiviral eye drops such as acyclovir ophthalmic solution or ganciclovir ophthalmic solution may be used. Maintain good ocular hygiene, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, and prevent cross-infection.

5. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by corneal expansion, thinning, and forward conical protrusion of the central cornea, which causes irregular corneal curvature and leads to severe astigmatism. The degree of astigmatism may continuously change as the disease progresses, and progressive vision loss may also occur. Early on, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses may be worn under a doctor's guidance to slow disease progression. When the condition progresses to a certain stage, riboflavin phosphate ophthalmic solution may be used in combination with ultraviolet irradiation for corneal collagen cross-linking as directed by a physician.

In daily life, ensure children maintain a balanced diet, consuming adequate amounts of foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, such as carrots and oranges. Encourage appropriate outdoor activities to allow the eyes sufficient rest and relaxation.