Eye specialist highlights key signs of childhood myopia and early detection methods

Dr. Al-Jawhara Al-Damri, consultant in ophthalmology and eye surgery at the First Health Cluster, has warned that myopia in children is a growing global problem, emphasizing the importance of early detection to limit complications and ensure proper management.

Speaking to Al-Ikhbariya radio, Al-Damri explained that identifying myopia in children can be challenging, especially at a young age, as children may not notice or be able to express the issue. She noted that the signs vary depending on the child's age group.

She pointed out that children aged one to three years may show signs such as weak visual interaction with distant objects or in low light, differences in visual development compared to siblings, frequent eye rubbing, and holding toys or electronic devices close to their faces.

Al-Damri added that preschool-aged children may be observed squinting—partially closing their eyes to improve clarity—frequently rubbing their eyes, sitting close to the television, or holding electronic devices near their faces. Teachers may also notice that a child has more difficulty seeing than their peers.

She explained that school-aged children, from six years and older, may complain of difficulty seeing distant objects such as the classroom board, prefer sitting in the front rows, suffer from headaches or squinting, or parents and teachers may notice problems with distance vision.

Al-Damri offered several tips for parents, including watching for signs such as squinting, holding devices close to the face, leaning toward or sitting close to the television, and difficulty seeing at a distance or in low light. She stressed that these signs warrant an eye examination for the child.

She emphasized the importance of eye exams for children with a family history of myopia in one or both parents, even if no symptoms appear, due to the higher risk of developing the condition.

View the post on X

Al-Damri also urged parents to take teachers' and schools' observations about a child's vision seriously and to promptly seek necessary examinations. She stressed that it is crucial to respond seriously to a child's complaints about vision problems and not to delay an eye check-up.