Eye problems in children that parents should not ignore

09 February 2023

Children are too young and inexperienced to realize that something is wrong with their vision. Often, eye problems go undetected until they are older, especially if they don't have eye exams other than those they get at school or from their pediatrician. But, as parents, we can notice things that could be signs that your child has vision problems. And the sooner these problems are treated, the better. Here are five common eye problems parents shouldn't ignore:

#1. Frequent eye rubbing or blinking

If your child rubs his or her eyes or blinks frequently, it could be a sign of an eye allergy. It could also be a sign of a foreign body sensation.

#2. Covering one eye or tilting the head

If you see your child frequently cover one eye or tilt his head when looking at an object, he may have amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. It can also be a sign of a refractive defect, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness.

#3. Misaligned eyes

Strabismus is a visual problem that causes misalignment of the eyes. It is a common condition in children. If left untreated, the misaligned eye can develop amblyopia.

#4. Squinting

If your child squints persistently, it may be a sign of a vision problem. His eyes may be sensitive to light. It may also be a sign that he is nearsighted or farsighted and is trying to correct his eyes to see better.

#5. Holding books close to your face

Sitting too close to the television or holding a tablet or book too close to the face can be a sign that your child has a vision problem. It is essential to catch such a problem before it affects your child's learning or prevents him or her from reading because it is too uncomfortable.

If you notice these problems, don't hesitate to schedule an eye exam for your child with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. Early detection can prevent children's eye problems from worsening and negatively affecting their school or athletic performance.

Request an appointment online or call us at 809-686-0268.