Why Does My Child Sit so Close to the TV?

Your child tending to sit close to the TV or holding their book very close while reading, might not merely be a habit, but a sign of an important issue that requires your attention. It may indicate that your child has myopia (also known as nearsightedness).
 

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error of the eye. It is when the light entering the eye doesn't focus correctly, leading to blurred distance vision. It can be caused by the eyeball beings too long, or the cornea (the clear dome of tissue over the iris – the coloured part of the eye) too curved which causes light rays to focus in front of the retina (the inner layer of the eye), making distant objects appear blurry. This condition usually develops in childhood and can progress as the child grows.
 

If your child is unable to see the TV clearly from a reasonable distance, they might instinctively move closer to see the images more clearly. This behavior is not merely a habit or preference, but a sign that your child might be experiencing vision problems.
 

One of the earliest signs of myopia in children, therefore, can be a tendency to sit close to the TV or hold books and other objects close to their eyes. They might also squint or strain their eyes to see distant objects. Frequent headaches, eye rubbing, or excessive blinking could also indicate myopia. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's crucial to schedule a pediatric eye exam.
 

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Regular pediatric eye exams are critical in detecting conditions like myopia early. These exams are comprehensive and can identify vision issues that a standard school screening might miss.
 

During a pediatric eye exam, the eye doctor can detect signs of myopia and other eye conditions. If your child has myopia, early detection can lead to more effective management and treatment. Regular eye exams also allow the doctor to monitor your child's vision and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
 

The Role of Myopia Management in Children's Eye Health

Myopia management plays a pivotal role in maintaining your child's eye health. It involves various strategies designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. The primary goal is not only to improve your child's vision but also to reduce the risk of developing severe eye conditions in the future.
 

Myopia management can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, optical aids, and pharmaceutical treatments. Encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors and limiting their screen time can help manage myopia. Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia.
 

Myopia Treatment Options for Children

MiSight contact lenses are a revolutionary product designed to manage myopia in children. These soft, daily disposable lenses not only correct myopia but also slow its progression. Wearing MiSight lenses can significantly reduce the progression of myopia in children, providing them with a better vision and reducing the risk of future eye complications.
 

Atropine eye drops have emerged as another promising treatment for myopia in children. Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil and temporarily paralyzes the eye's focusing mechanism. In low doses, it can slow the progression of myopia without significantly affecting the child's near vision or causing light sensitivity.
 

Conclusion

Understanding myopia in children and its signs, including sitting close to the TV, is crucial in managing this condition effectively. Regular pediatric eye exams, effective myopia management strategies, and advancements in myopia treatments, such as MiSight contact lenses and atropine eye drops, can significantly impact your child's vision health.
 

For more information on the symptoms and treatment options for myopia in children, visit You & Eye at our office in West Linn, Oregon. Please call (503) 723-3000 to schedule an appointment today.