What are the causes and correction methods for astigmatism in children?

Astigmatism in children may be caused by irregular corneal development, abnormal lens development, abnormal eyelid pressure, keratitis, keratoconus, and other factors. It can usually be corrected through wearing glasses, contact lenses, medications, and other treatments. If any abnormalities are noticed, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Irregular corneal development: During development, the child's cornea may not become sufficiently rounded, resulting in differences in curvature in different directions. This leads to abnormal refraction of light and the formation of astigmatism. Regular vision examinations are recommended, with appropriate corrective glasses prescribed based on the degree of astigmatism to improve vision.

2. Abnormal lens development: Minor abnormalities in the shape or position of the lens during its development can affect light focusing and cause astigmatism. Corrective glasses should be worn under the guidance of a professional ophthalmologist, with regular adjustments of lens prescriptions as the child grows and develops.

3. Abnormal eyelid pressure: Frequent eye rubbing or eyelid inflammation in children can exert continuous pressure on the cornea, altering its shape and causing astigmatism, often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, and frequent blinking. Under medical guidance, medications such as tobramycin eye drops, erythromycin ointment, and sodium hyaluronate eye drops may be used to alleviate eyelid inflammation, while also addressing the habit of rubbing eyes.

4. Keratitis: Bacterial or viral infection can cause keratitis. The inflammation leads to corneal edema and morphological changes, resulting in astigmatism, often accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain, photophobia, tearing, and decreased vision. It is recommended to use acyclovir eye drops, levofloxacin eye drops, recombinant human epidermal growth factor eye drops (yeast), and other treatments as directed by a physician. After the inflammation subsides, reassessment of astigmatism should be conducted to determine the need for correction.

5. Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and forward protrusion of the central or paracentral cornea forms a cone-like shape, leading to severe astigmatism, often accompanied by progressive vision loss and visual distortion. Under medical guidance, wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses is recommended for correction.

In daily life, it is important to cultivate good eye habits in children, avoiding prolonged near-eye work, ensuring sufficient outdoor activity time, and conducting regular vision screenings for early detection and correction. If astigmatism progresses rapidly or is accompanied by other ocular discomforts, timely medical examination is advised.