Bambino Gesu Hospital opens Italy's first pediatric clinic for myopia

Bambino Gesù Hospital has opened Italy's first pediatric clinic dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and monitoring of myopia. Located in Palidoro, the clinic serves children and adolescents who struggle to see clearly at a distance.

The service uses available treatments to slow the progression of the condition and reduce the risk of eye health complications in adulthood. Professor Luca Buzzonetti, head of the Oculistica at Bambino Gesù, stated that intervening during childhood helps protect the vision of future adults.

The clinic addresses a growing health challenge in Italy, where more than 2 million young people between the ages of 5 and 19 live with myopia. Experts link the increase in the disorder to lifestyle changes, such as spending more time on smartphones, tablets, and computers, alongside less time spent in outdoor activities. Myopia generally appears between ages 6 and 14 and is often caused by the excessive lengthening of the eyeball.