Astigmatism for children

[adamnasry]

My 6 year old son was recently diagnosed with a severe astigmatism in his right eye. He has 20/30 vision in his right eye and 20/400 in his left. He also has a slight lazy eye, according to the doctor. The doctor said that because his prescription is so severe, he wants him to wear the glasses all the time and to cover his good eye with a patch for 8 hours a day for a year and half at least, which it bothers him tremendously. Any other suggestion in this matter?
How do I get my son to wear the patch? and do you think it is too early for an astigmatism to be detected? Will his vision benefit from the glasses and the patch? Any advice on how to get him used to them? Also, should he wear them all the time?
Thank you,
A concerned parent

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Trying to control your child's myopia or astigmatism is like trying to control how tall she growns, it just can't be done.  There are many studies done over the last half century that used atropine eye drops, hard contact lens, bifocals, restricting reading and near tasks. that have not worked. There are some drops under study that may help.  One study showed that children that play outside daily reduce myopia progression but it is only one study and has not been duplicated. k

Most myopis (me included) have normal eyes that just need glasses, contacts or lasik.

Don't beat yourself up over this.

JCH MD

[Pushpaanand]

Hi, my 7 yrs old daughter is wearing glasses from past 2 yrs. She is having astigmatism n myopia.. Astig is arnd 2.25 in both eyes. Initiallly myopia was -0.5 in both eyes. But now myopia is -2.0 in right eye n -2.5 in left. I am really wortied how to control her myopia progression.. After wearing glasses also far distance boards r bluured for
her. Why its so?... Pls do reply thanx

[Pushpaanand]

Hi, my 7 yrs old daughter us wearing glasses from past 2 yrs. She is having astigmatism n myopia.. Astig is arnd 2.25 in both eyes. Initiallly myopia was -0.5 in both eyes. But now myopia is -2.0 in right eye n -2.5 in left. I am really wortied how to control her myopia progression.. After wearing glasses also far distance boards r bluured for her... Pls do reply thanx

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Take your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a second opinion. Find one at www.aao.org or ask your pediatrician to refer you.

ALL CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE THEIR VISION TESTED ABOUT AGE 3 TO PREVENT THIS LATE DIAGNOSIS OF AMBLYOPIA WHICH AFFECTS ONE OUT OF 50 CHILDREN.

JCH MD