If your child can see things clearly close up but distant objects seem blurred, it is likely that he is short-sighted.

Cause

Short-sightedness is due to the length of the eyeball from front to back being greater than usual. This interferes with the way light is reflected from the back of the eye, distorting the image transferred to the brain. Short-sightedness can run in families. Contrary to popular belief, reading a great deal does not cause shortsightedness.

Clinical features

Short-sightedness tends to become worse as the child approaches adolescence. You may notice that your child always sits very close to the television, or holds a book very close to his eyes while reading. If he sits at the back of the class, he may complain that he has trouble reading what is written on the blackboard.

Treatment

Children with short-sightedness invariably need to wear glasses. These are prescribed after a thorough eye test and need to be checked every year, as vision tends to change as the child grows. Adolescents may prefer to wear contact lenses.

When to see your doctor

If you suspect that your child is short-sighted, see your doctor who will refer him to an eye specialist for tests. If your child is having learning difficulties, it is a good idea to get his eyes checked.

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