When parents say “malabo ang mata ng anak ko,” it can refer to several conditions. These include myopia or nearsightedness, astigmatism (distorted or blurred vision at all distances), hyperopia or farsightedness, and more serious conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus.
In many cases, these problems are caused by refractive errors—the way light is bent in the eye—rather than a “weak eye” or simple fatigue. The good news is that most refractive errors can be detected through a simple pediatric eye exam and corrected with prescription glasses for kids.
Medical causes of bad vision at a young age
Several medical conditions can affect vision even in very young children.
- Myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia is now one of the leading causes of bad vision among school‑aged children in the Philippines, and it often worsens quickly during the elementary and high‑school years. Children with myopia may sit very close to the TV, hold gadgets near their face, or complain of blurred distance vision when looking at the classroom blackboard.
- Astigmatism. Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina. This leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances, and may cause frequent eye strain or headaches in class.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye). Amblyopia occurs when the brain starts to favor one eye, usually because of untreated refractive error or strabismus. If not addressed before around age seven, it can lead to permanent reduction in vision in one eye.
- Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes). In Filipino families, this may be described as “duling” or “suwi.” When one eye turns in, out, up, or down, the brain may suppress its image to avoid double vision, which can later cause amblyopia.
- Vitamin A deficiency and other eye diseases. In some parts of the Philippines, vitamin A deficiency can still lead to xerophthalmia and night blindness, while premature babies are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) if not monitored carefully by pediatric ophthalmologists.
Because these conditions are not always obvious, relying only on what a child says is risky. Regular pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment.
How lifestyle and “babad sa gadget” affect children’s eyes
Modern lifestyle plays a major role in why more Filipino children develop bad vision at a young age.
Today, many students spend several hours daily on smartphones, tablets, or computers for both schoolwork and entertainment. Studies and local experts warn that overexposure to digital devices can cause myopia, computer vision syndrome, and eye strain. Children may complain of sore eyes, headaches, or “sumasakit ang batok” after long periods of online learning or gaming.
Lack of outdoor time is also a key factor. International and local research shows that regular outdoor play and natural light can help reduce the risk of developing myopia or slow its progression. Filipino eye experts often recommend at least 60 minutes of outdoor play per day, ideally more, to balance the many hours spent on near work and digital screens.
Parents can teach the 20‑20‑20 rule at home: after every 20 minutes of reading or gadget use, the child should look at something around 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Simple steps like adjusting screen distance, improving lighting, and limiting continuous “babad sa gadget” time can significantly reduce eye strain.
When should parents worry and see an eye doctor?
Parents should consider a pediatric eye exam if they notice any of the following in their child:
- Squinting or “pagsusuwi” when trying to see the blackboard or TV
- Sitting very close to screens or books
- Frequent eye rubbing, headaches, or complaints of blurred distance vision
- Noticeable misalignment of the eyes (duling)
- History of prematurity, developmental delay, or eye conditions in the family
Even without symptoms, it is wise for school‑aged children to have periodic eye exams, especially during the early school years and before major exam periods. Early detection often prevents long‑term complications and supports better school performance and confidence.
People also ask: common questions from Filipino parents
Yes. Excessive gadget use is linked to eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and a higher risk of myopia, especially when children spend long hours focusing at a short distance. Limiting continuous screen time and encouraging breaks and outdoor play can help protect their vision.
Many experts suggest an eye check before starting formal schooling, then regular checks during the early grades, especially if there is a family history of eye problems. In the Philippines, kindergarten pupils are now being screened through the National Vision Screening Program.
Yes. PhilHealth’s optometry package now supports vision assessments and eyeglasses for children 0 to 15 years old, and many HMOs cover eye consultations at accredited clinics. Parents should ask if their chosen eye center is HMO‑accredited before scheduling an appointment.
Many causes, such as myopia and astigmatism, can be corrected with prescription glasses and monitored regularly. However, some conditions like untreated amblyopia or ROP can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected early, so timely screening is crucial.
Why consult Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics?
While LASIK is usually recommended for adults with stable prescriptions, understanding what causes bad vision at a young age is the first step to protecting your child’s eyesight for the future.
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Aesthetics combines advanced diagnostic technology with experienced eye specialists to assess refractive errors, monitor disease, and guide families on the safest options for long‑term eye health. By partnering with a trusted eye care center early, Filipino parents can make informed decisions that keep their children seeing clearly today and preserve their vision for tomorrow.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
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Resources Used in This Article
- PNA. “Excessive gadget use increases risk of myopia in kids, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068930″
- Newsbytes. “Overexposure to digital devices causes vision problems, doctor warns, https://newsbytes.ph/2018/08/30/overexposure-to-digital-devices-causes-vision-problems-doctor-warns-2/”
- WHO. “Systematic review and meta-analysis of childhood visual impairment in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-29-2023/volume-29-issue-6/systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-childhood-visual-impairment-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region.html”
- Malaya Business. “PhilHealth improves eye health packages, https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/philhealth-improves-eye-health-packages/”
- American Optometric Association. “Outdoor activity may reduce risk for myopia in children, https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/diseases-and-conditions/outdoor-activity-may-reduce-risk-for-myopia-in-children”
- PERI. “The National Vision Screening Program for kindergarten, https://www.peri.ph/nvsp”