“Astigmatism In Children Caused By Genetic Makeup”, Experts Claim

 Photo Credit: Grant Cochrane

The Facts About Astigmatism In Children:

According to one of the largest study funded by National Institute For Health 10% of preschoolers have astigmatism!

In addition to astigmatism this study revealed that 4% of preschoolers have  myopia (nearsightedness) and 21 % have hyperopia (farsightedness).

While above refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism) in most cases are easily correctable by eyeglasses if left untreated they could lead to more complications- to include strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and amblyopia (decreased vision in one or both eyes that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses).

What Causes The Astigmatism In Children?

In his article “Astigmatism” posted at http://www.allaboutvision.com, Gary Heiting, OD said:

Astigmatism might be the most misunderstood vision problem. Even the name is challenging to many people, who incorrectly call it “stigmatism.”

Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is a refractive error, meaning it is not an eye health problem; it simply is a problem with how the eye focuses light.

So, Astigmatism is not Disease but rather a Refractive Error!

How the light will be refracted depends greatly on the shape of the cornea (the front layer of the eye).  Actually, cornea is responsible for about 2/3 of the focusing these light rays.

If there is any change in the shape of the cornea the light will not be focused to the one single point as stated above (See picture below “Good Vision”)

Let’s say the cornea becomes too flat inwhich case the focus will be behind the retina and we say that the eye is farsighted (See picture below “Farsighted”).

However, if cornea is curved too much that will have the opposite effect and light rays will meet in the front of the retina and we say that eye is nearsighted (See picture below “Nearsighted”).

Finally, if cornea is football shaped than it is said that eye is astigmatic

Good Vision

Farsighted

Nearsighted

Some Experts Claim, “Astigmatism Caused By Genetic Makeup”

Some experts believe that astigmatism in children may be caused by genetic makeup. So,  MedicineNet.com  features this article: Astigmatism and Your Eyes pointing out that:

Astigmatism can be hereditary and is often present at birth. It can also result from pressure from the eyelids on the cornea, incorrect posture or an increased use of the eyes for close work.

Also Dr. Dubow  from very respected website All About Vision, in their section Astigmatism Q&A was asked:

Q. Does Astigmatism Go Away

A. Sorry, no. In fact, sometimes astigmatism gets worse with age…but slowly. It is probably partly hereditary and partly environmental.

Symptoms Of Astigmatism In Children

Children could display some of the follow symptoms.

1. Position their head by tilting or turning in order to see better which than could cause
2. Headache
3. Discomfort in eye.
4. Trouble keep focused on words

Treatment Options for Astigmatism In Children

Depnding on the level of astigmatism and if other conditions such as myopia and/or hypermetropia are present our Eye Doctor will decide if any treatment is necessary.

When it comes to eye laser surgery for children it is still rather controversial and we can find medical professionals on both side of the argument. Good news is that astigmatism is easily corrected by corrective lenses and/or glasses.

Many do believe in so-called Natural Vision Correction based mostly on Bates Method. But does it really work? As always some claim it does while many say it doesn’t. So, the jury is still out there!

 

Astin Miller’s First Visit To Eye Doctor!