Myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism: to « save » the view the diagnosis must be done as soon as possible
Vista problems must be managed between 3 and 5-6 years because the visual system is still plastic: it is possible to intervene effectively and have good recovery. When to program controls from the oculist
Hyperopia, myopia And astigmatism: recognizing them within three years of age is essential to be able to correct them and guarantee correct development of the view. Why Seeing us well as adults is not just a matter of good genes. Globally, estimates indicate that about 35 percent of children are short -sighted and that By 2050 50 percent of the world population will be short -sighted. To say it is a study published in the scientific journal British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Brückner test
The prevention of eye diseases starts from birth, for the early diagnosis of Defects of refraction and some serious pathologies such as the glaucoma. In the very first days of life, in Italy, all infants are performed by the neonatologist Brückner’s test (test of the red reflection). It is a very important test, and to perform it you need an ophthalmoscope: if the red reflection is altered (there are opacity, it is scarce or of a different color), it is necessary an eye examination to diagnose any pathologies such as glaucoma, cataract or retinoblastomawhich is the most common malignant intraocular neoplasm in childhood.
Refractive defects
«Myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism belong to the family of the so -called » refractive defects « and It is not always necessary that they are corrected – Inform Marika of the Strogycontact person of the pediatric ophthalmology service at the Vittore Buzzi hospital in Milan -. The child is physiologically hypermetropicthat is, the eye is shorter, with the passing of the months it grows and stretches until the normal dimension. THE’astigmatism Instead it is a defect of curvature of the cornea or crystalline that causes a distortion of the images and is the most dangerous for the development of theamblyopiaalso known as « lazy eye ». There myopia causes the vision escaped from afar. If the anomalies exceed a certain entity or are asymmetrical in the two eyes, the correction of the defect is required, after an in -depth analysis with the pediatric ophthalmologist « .
The second visit
«If during the first visit there are situations to be re -evaluated, A second is scheduled at 4-6 months – continues the expert -. This also happens when the mother has contracted infections, for example there Toxoplasmosisduring pregnancy. If everything is normal, the second visit is scheduled to 12 monthswhen the growth of the eye is normal and nothing anomalous is detected. The next takes place around 3 years « .
Regular checks
The free choice pediatrician, during routine visits, checks the sight of the small patient and in the case of anomalies prescribes an eye examination. « At the time of entry into primary school, an eye examination is recommended – explains the specialist – and then regularly depending on the indication of the oculist and the presence or not of visual disorders, such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism « .
The role of the orthoptista
Vista problems must be managed between 3 and 5-6 years When the visual system is still plastic; Indeed, It is possible to intervene effectively and have good recovery. In this phase, the intervention of the orthoptist who deals with the visual rehabilitation of motor and sensory disorders of vision is fundamental through the implementation of Personalized therapeutic programs based on gravity, age and needs of the child. «In case of amblyopia, it is important to intervene as soon as possible, – explains Delle Strologo – to obtain an optimal functional recovery and one Better adhesion to anti-Ambliopic therapythanks to the collaboration by the child and those who take care of it ».
Signals do not underestimate
Head inclinations, frequent winks, photophobia These are some of the spies not to be underestimated. «A child who takes An abnormal position of the head To watch an illustrated book or approach too much on television, it often winks and closes an eye in the « hunter’s position » are the alarm bell of eye problems, such as strabismo, which must be investigated – continues the expert -. Also red eyes, difficulty concentration and headache These are signs that must be evaluated by the specialist ».
Sports and outdoor activities
Children should spend At least 40 minutes a day outdoorsin any season, because the light stimulates the dopaminethe neurotransmitter who has an important role in the prevention of myopia. Better if in the green: A city park is also fine where it is possible to have a large enough space to run and play. This, in addition to favor the general development of the body, has positive effects on the visual system.
Tablets and video games
It is now ascertained that prolonged use of electronic devices produces vision problems, concentration capacity and sleep disorders. The guidelines of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) they recommend that they do not make them use children under 2 yearsfor those between 2 and 5 years the use must be less than an hour a day and between 5 and 8 years less than 2 hours. « The use is strongly not recommended in the hour preceding sleepbecause it interferes with the sleep-wake rhythm »concludes Marika of the Strologo.
