HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)hypermetropiaDo children outgrow hypermetropia?

How can I improve my 3-year-old daughter's eyesight?

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Published At April 11, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 3-year-old daughter has eye power of -2 and -1.75 myopia and 0.5 spherical in one eye with an axis of 100 in both eyes. Does she need to wear glasses? As I have an understanding kids, the eyes are still developing till the age of 5 or 6.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do you have a prescription that you can upload? I am not able to ascertain if she has a cylinder in both eyes or one eye.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

It is cylindrical only in one eye, and it is 0.5.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If it is a minus power via myopia, the power does not reduce with age. It is hypermetropia or plus power that causes it. The cylinder is not very high (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). She needs to be followed up at the optometrist every six months to monitor if the power is increasing. Unfortunately, myopia tends to increase till she stops growing.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

You mean to say that her eye power of -2 and -1.75 will remain the same or increases more by the time she turns 5 or 6 years old? Also, the doctor said she has astigmatism? Am I assuming astigmatism is for cylindrical power, right? With the given information, what is your opinion should my child start wearing glasses. Also, by the time a kid is 3-year-old, are their eyes fully developed and maybe a little of myopia -0.5?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

We cannot really predict if myopia will remain the same or increase. Usually, myopia means the eyeball length is longer than the average. So as the child grows, so can the eyeball. Astigmatism means the cornea is not round but slightly oval. The cylinder takes care of that aspect. The power should stabilize by the age of 18 to 21 years.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

So what is the standard eye power for a 3-year-old developing child so that I know how my daughter's eye power compares to it?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The latest treatment options are low dose of Atropine eye drops like Atroped eye drops (Atropine sulfate), which can be applied at night before sleeping. Myopia prevention spectacles like Myopilux or Myovision, which is a special type of spectacle and the latest technology for reduction or prevention of myopia progression.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Ok, thank you so much for your reply.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Toddlers of that age are usually hypermetropic by about +1.0, which they usually overcome through accommodation. As they grow, that +1.0 becomes 0. From my experience, children most kids do not manifest with myopia till about 9 or 10 yrs of age. Are you or the child's father myopic?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Yes, we both are myopic. I started wearing them in college, and her father wore them when he started his job. Grandparents did not wear glasses full time till they were in their 50s wear reading glasses, though.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Unfortunately, the chances of your child inheriting myopia is even higher if both parents are myopic. Anyway, your child will have to start wearing spectacles as often as possible. Although uncommon with myopia, there is a possibility that she might develop a lazy eye if she does not wear them. Also, make sure she does not rub her eyes because, theoretically, it can increase astigmatism.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Do you have any good doctor references in my country, who would look at my toddler with also the latest remedies?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do not know anybody in that city. You can look up a pediatric ophthalmologist in that area, preferably at an eye hospital.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Thank you for your responses.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. I am happy to help you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza
Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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