It is important to be aware of potential eye problems in children, as early detection and treatment can prevent long-term vision issues. Some common symptoms of eye problems in children include:
- Squinting or closing one eye when looking at an object
- Tilting the head to one side
- Holding objects close to the face when reading or watching television
- Blinking excessively or rubbing the eyes frequently
- Complaints of headaches or eye pain
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Redness or swelling in the eyes
- Difficulty seeing at a distance or near
- Seeing double or halos around lights
- Constant eye fatigue and eye strain
- Difficulty with tracking or following moving objects
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) for an examination. The doctor will evaluate your child’s vision and check for any underlying conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Some common eye conditions that affect children include:
- Refractive errors: Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are all conditions that can cause blurriness or difficulty seeing clearly at certain distances.
- Strabismus: This is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This can cause double vision, headaches, and difficulty with depth perception.
- Amblyopia: Also known as “lazy eye,” this is a condition in which one eye is weaker than the other, causing the brain to ignore input from the weaker eye. This can lead to poor vision in the affected eye.
- Nystagmus: This is a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. This can cause difficulty with visual acuity and tracking.
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as “pink eye,” this is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It is usually caused by an infection or allergy and is characterized by redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes.
- Cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurriness, glare, or difficulty seeing in bright light.
It is important to note that many of these conditions can be treated or managed with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other forms of vision therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Give Eye Care For Kids a call (see the number below) if you need assistance or have other questions!
