Is Childhood Astigmatism Curable?
Treatability of Astigmatism in Children
The treatability of astigmatism in children hinges on various factors. Generally, mild astigmatism originating from congenital factors can be addressed, whereas severe astigmatism stemming from acquired ocular diseases may not be fully curable.
Curable Cases
1. Infants and toddlers under the age of 1 may exhibit physiological astigmatism due to the developing eyeballs, where the lens and cornea's radii of curvature are inconsistent. This naturally resolves over time with growth and does not necessitate specialized intervention. Furthermore, astigmatism resulting from prolonged poor eye habits, like incorrect posture or extended TV viewing, can be corrected through timely habit modification by parents, along with atropine eye drops prescribed by a doctor.
Non-curable Cases
However, if a child's astigmatism is attributed to factors like ocular inflammatory infections or trauma, and its severity impacts vision, achieving a complete cure becomes challenging. In these instances, wearing corrective glasses prescribed by a doctor is advised. Surgical options, including LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or intraocular lens implantation, may also be considered if necessary.
Emphasizing proper eye usage habits in daily life and avoiding excessive eye strain is crucial to prevent condition deterioration. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially through consuming foods like carrots and blueberries, also contributes positively to eye health.