What is astigmatism in adolescents?

In general, astigmatism in adolescents may be caused by genetic factors, poor eye-use habits, abnormal corneal development, abnormal eyelid pressure, keratoconus, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Genetic factors: If one or both parents have astigmatism, adolescents are more likely to inherit it, which often manifests as irregular corneal shape. Regular refraction examinations at hospitals are recommended. Appropriate corrective glasses should be worn based on the degree of astigmatism to control its progression.

2. Poor eye-use habits: Long-term habits such as reading or writing with a tilted head or using mobile phones while lying down can lead to uneven pressure on the eyeball, inducing or worsening astigmatism. Maintain proper reading and writing posture, keep eyes 30–40 cm from books, avoid prolonged continuous use of electronic devices, and take a 5-minute break every 30 minutes of eye use.

3. Abnormal corneal development: Irregular corneal shape during development in adolescents causes incoming parallel light rays to fail to focus on a single point after refraction, resulting in astigmatism. In addition to wearing eyeglasses, orthokeratology lenses may be considered under medical supervision—worn overnight to temporarily restore clear vision during the day.

4. Abnormal eyelid pressure: Eyelid inflammation or trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes) in adolescents can increase eyelid pressure, leading to long-term compression of the cornea and changes in its shape, causing astigmatism. Follow medical advice to treat eyelid inflammation with medications such as tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment, levofloxacin eye drops, or erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. For severe trichiasis, surgical correction for entropion may be required to relieve corneal pressure.

5. Keratoconus: A condition where the central cornea becomes thin and bulges forward into a cone shape, representing a significant cause of progressive astigmatism in adolescents, accompanied by gradually declining vision. In early stages, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses can be worn to control progression. As the disease advances, corneal cross-linking may be necessary to strengthen the cornea and prevent further deformation.

For daily care, protect the eyes from injury and ensure adequate sleep. Include foods rich in vitamin A and lutein in the diet, such as carrots and blueberries. Regular eye examinations are important to monitor changes in astigmatism levels.