As adults, we know when something is off with our vision or eye health. Children, however, may not yet understand what’s normal and what’s not. Even if they suspect an abnormality, they may not have the words to articulate it.
Fortunately, many eye problems in children present symptoms that parents can pick up on. Here are some of the most common child eye problems, symptoms to look for, and steps to take if you notice an issue.
Five Eye Problems in Children to Watch For
1. Refractive Errors
While it may sound alarming, a refractive error is simply the term for eye irregularities that cause blurred vision. Typically, these issues can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. When their eye is shaped differently, light can’t pass through your child’s retina properly, which causes blurriness. Some examples include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Although older children may be able to tell you about vision changes, it’s a good idea to watch for the following symptoms in kids of all ages:
- Complaints of headaches after activities like reading or watching television
- Squinting or head tilting
- Holding books or devices close to their face
2. Amblyopia
If your child has one eye that doesn’t track the same as the other, they may have amblyopia. Also known as lazy eye, this condition would likely appear within your child’s first few years of life. With early intervention, vision correction can often be achieved by strengthening whichever eye has weaker muscles. In addition to the noticeable wandering of one eye, your child may also experience poor depth perception, squint or shut one eye, or tilt their head frequently to see.
3. Strabismus
Strabismus occurs when the eyes don’t look in the same direction at the same time, creating the appearance of crossed eyes. The condition can develop in children who are nearsighted or farsighted, with eye strain leading to muscle control issues. Oftentimes, when a child begins to wear glasses, their eyes become more aligned.
Parents often notice their child’s crossed eyes, which may be accompanied by head tilting and closure of one eye at a time. Be sure to see our pediatric eye care specialists as soon as you suspect strabismus, as the condition can worsen if left untreated.
4. Conjunctivitis
Also known as “pink eye”, conjunctivitis develops when the white part of your child’s eye becomes itchy, red, and inflamed. It may also come paired with increased tearing or a sticky discharge that can become crusty overnight. Potential causes include allergies or infection with either bacteria or common viruses. Eye drops may help treat bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis, while viral cases typically clear up on their own with time. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve without treatment within a couple of days, have your child examined by an eye care specialist to see if prescription medication may be needed and to discuss appropriate precautions for you and your family.
5. Stye
A red, inflamed lump on your child’s eyelid is the telltale sign of a stye. The condition is caused by a bacterial infection, which may clear up on its own. Try a warm compress to soothe any discomfort your child experiences, and call your eye doctor if the stye worsens or doesn’t improve within 48 hours.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Pediatric Eye Care Specialists
If you notice any changes related to your child’s vision or eye health, don’t hesitate to contact Eye Consultants of Atlanta. Our eye care providers welcome patients of all ages and offer both vision care services as well as treatment for these common eye conditions and others. To schedule a visit with our pediatrics team, call (404) 255-2419 or request an appointment online.