How to treat refractive errors in 8-year-old children

Methods for treating refractive errors in 8-year-old children include optical correction with glasses, wearing orthokeratology lenses, vision training, pharmacological adjunctive therapy, and regular follow-up adjustments. Interventions should be precisely tailored according to the type and degree of refractive error to protect the development of visual function. If a child exhibits symptoms such as blurred vision or tilting their head while looking at objects, prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis are recommended.

1. Optical Correction with Glasses: This is the fundamental treatment approach. After undergoing a comprehensive eye examination to determine the exact prescription, the child wears eyeglasses to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. This ensures clear imaging on the retina, helping to prevent eye strain and progression of refractive error.

2. Orthokeratology Lens Wear: Suitable for children experiencing rapid progression of myopia, these lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows clear vision during the day without glasses and effectively slows the progression of myopia.

3. Vision Training: Aimed at children with abnormal accommodation or insufficient convergence function, specialized exercises can enhance the regulation ability of eye muscles, alleviate symptoms of eye strain, and help relieve discomfort caused by refractive errors.

4. Pharmacological Adjunctive Therapy: Under medical supervision, medications such as low-concentration atropine eye drops may be used to relax the eye's ciliary muscle and slow the progression of myopia. These must be used strictly as prescribed, with close monitoring of side effects and response.

5. Regular Follow-Up and Adjustment: A vision and refraction check should be performed every 6–12 months. Glasses or treatment plans should be updated promptly based on changes in refractive error, ensuring alignment with the dynamic development of the child’s eyes.

Encourage children to maintain proper reading and writing posture, keeping their eyes 30–40 cm from books or screens; limit screen time from electronic devices to no more than one hour per day; and promote outdoor activities, ensuring at least two hours of daylight exposure daily to support healthy eye development.