Congenital Myopia

 Congenital myopia, also known as infantile myopia, is a type of myopia that is present at birth or develops within the first few months of life. It is a rare condition that is caused by an elongated shape of the eye, which causes light to be focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for congenital myopia.

Causes of Congenital Myopia

The exact cause of congenital myopia is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some specific causes may include:

  • Heredity: Congenital myopia tends to run in families, so it is likely that if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children may also be at an increased risk of developing congenital myopia.
  • Environmental factors: Studies have shown that certain environmental factors during pregnancy, such as smoking or exposure to high levels of pollution, may increase the risk of developing congenital myopia.
  • Other medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as premature birth or complications during pregnancy, may increase the risk of developing congenital myopia.

Symptoms of Congenital Myopia

The symptoms of congenital myopia may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms may include:

  • Blurred vision: The most common symptom of congenital myopia is blurred vision, which may be present at all distances.
  • Crossed eyes: Some infants with congenital myopia may have crossed eyes, also known as strabismus, due to the misalignment of the eyes caused by the refractive error.
  • Eye rubbing: Infants with congenital myopia may rub their eyes more frequently due to the discomfort caused by the blurred vision.

Treatment Options for Congenital Myopia

The treatment for congenital myopia will depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the child. Some treatment options may include:

  • Glasses or contact lenses: For mild to moderate cases of congenital myopia, glasses or contact lenses may be sufficient to correct the refractive error and improve vision.
  • Refractive surgery: In some cases, refractive surgery may be an option to permanently correct the shape of the eye and improve vision. Some common types of refractive surgery for myopia include LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). However, these procedures are generally not recommended for children due to the risk of further progression of the condition.
  • Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology, also known as corneal reshaping, involves wearing special contact lenses at night that temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day. This can be a good option for children who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.

It is important to note that congenital myopia can continue to progress during the teenage years, so regular eye exams are important to monitor the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Congenital myopia, or infantile myopia, is a rare type of myopia that is present at birth or develops within the first few months of life. It is caused by an elongated shape of the eye, which causes light to be focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Symptoms may include blurred vision, crossed eyes, and eye rubbing. Treatment options for congenital myopia may include glasses or contact lenses, orthokeratology, or refractive surgery

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ABETALIPOPROTEINEMIA (BASSEN-KORNZWEIG SYNDROME) Retinopathy

What is myopia?

Scleritis