Are Myopia & Astigmatism the Same Thing? What Parents Need to Know
Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Myopia Control
As a parent, there’s nothing more important than your child’s health—and that includes their vision. If they’ve been diagnosed with myopia (near-sightedness) or astigmatism, you might be wondering what these terms mean and how they affect your child’s everyday life. Don’t worry, we’re here to help make things clearer (pun intended)!
Myopia: Why Your Child Struggles to See the Board
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is one of the most common vision issues in children. If your child has myopia, they can likely see objects up close, like a book or tablet, but things far away—like the classroom board or distant signs—appear blurry.
This happens because your child’s eye is shaped in a way that causes light to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Think of it like a camera that’s focused too close, so the background becomes blurry.
What Causes Myopia in Kids?
Myopia can be genetic—if you or your partner wear glasses for near-sightedness, there’s a good chance your child will too. But with the increase in screen time, more kids are being diagnosed with myopia earlier. Reading, playing games, or doing homework up-close for long periods can cause or worsen near-sightedness.
Astigmatism: Why Everything’s a Little Blurry
Astigmatism is a bit different. Instead of affecting vision at just one distance (like myopia does with far-away objects), astigmatism can cause blurry vision at all distances. Whether your child is looking at a toy in their hand or trying to watch a movie across the room, things might seem a little out of focus.
The cause? An irregularly shaped cornea. Instead of a perfectly round shape, your child’s cornea may be slightly oval, which causes light to scatter unevenly in the eye.
How Do Kids Get Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is usually present at birth, and it’s not something your child develops because of screen time or reading habits. It’s simply the way their eyes are shaped. Many kids (and adults) have some degree of astigmatism without even knowing it!
What’s the Difference?
To sum it up:
- Myopia affects a child’s ability to see things far away, like the whiteboard at school.
- Astigmatism causes general blurry vision, whether a child is looking near or far.
It’s also important to know that kids can have both myopia and astigmatism. That’s why eye exams are so important—only a thorough check-up can determine exactly what kind of correction your child needs.
How Can You Help Your Child?
The good news is that both myopia and astigmatism are highly treatable, and there are many options to ensure they can thrive both in and out of the classroom. If your kiddo has been squinting, holding books too close, or complaining about blurry vision, it’s time for a visit to the optometrist. Early intervention can help prevent vision issues from getting worse and set children up for a lifetime of healthy eyes.
Want to learn more about how you can support your child’s vision health? Schedule an eye exam today with Invision Optometry at 619-222-2020!
