The incidence of vision problems in children is surprisingly high and impacts their learning, playing, and development. Most children are not even aware that they have a vision problem because they have never experienced normal vision. The sooner a problem is detected, the less potential long-term effects.
Common vision problems in children
Several conditions can affect a child’s vision. Some of the most common include:
- Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”: One eye simply doesn’t develop correctly, reducing vision in the affected eye.
- Strabismus (Duling or Banlag): The eyes are not aligned correctly. It leads to double vision and amblyopia if not treated. Treatment can be with glasses, eye exercises, or surgery.
- Refractive Errors: Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are common problems that affect the way an eye focuses light. Nearsightedness, or myopia, causes a blurry view of distant objects. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, causes difficulty focusing at near. Astigmatism means that the vision at any distance is blurry. These errors are usually helped by glasses or contact lenses.
- Color Blindness: This is a genetic condition which results in an inability to differentiate certain colors, typically red and green. While not requiring any form of treatment, it’s very important for the child to know their limitations and get all the help needed in school and life.
Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems in Children
It is hard to detect vision problems in little children who can’t express their problems. But there are a few warning signs parents should be on the lookout for:
- Squinting: Constant squinting may indicate that it is hard for them to focus.
- Holding books or other objects close to their face: This is the most common symptom of nearsightedness.
- Rubbing their eyes constantly: This may indicate discomfort or strain.
- Tilting head to see better: This is an indication of astigmatism or other refractive errors.
- Eye-hand coordination problems: They cannot catch a ball or write neatly. Vision problems may be the cause.
- Headaches or eye strain: These are some of the most common symptoms of vision problems.
- Avoiding close-up work: This may indicate farsightedness or eye strain.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you note any of the following warning signs, it’s critical to take time and go see a comprehensive eye exam in pediatric ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Early diagnosis prevents long term problems with one’s vision. In fact, a regular check-up is considered, especially those high-risk individuals whose children need their eyes monitored,
Protecting a child’s vision is all about a child’s healthy development and well-being. Being informed about common vision problems and knowing how to identify warning signs and act on them in time is the only way to further strengthen their chances of having healthy vision from childhood through adulthood. A simple yet essential step toward protecting a child’s eyesight is regular eye exams.
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2017). Amblyopia: Introduction and causes. https://www.aao.org/education/basic-skills/amblyopia-introduction-causes
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Your Glenpool and Jenks Eye Doctor. (2020). Jenks Eye Doctor: Refractive Errors: Insight Eyecare. Insight Eyecare | https://insighteyeok.com/articles/jenks-eye-doctor-refractive-errors/
Prass, A. (2023). Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: The importance of early detection and intervention for kids’ vision. Treehouse Eyes. https://treehouseeyes.com/blog/childrens-eye-health-and-safety-month/
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Save Sight Centre (n.d.) Refractive errors. https://www.savesightcentre.com/refractive-errors.php
Spactra. (2024). Night blindness (NYCTALOPIA): What it is, causes & treatment. spectra. https://spectraeyemu.com/blog/night-blindness-nyctalopia.php
Santa Monica Eye Group. (2024). Strabismus. https://smeyegroup.com/conditions/strabismus/
Tuchkov I. (2018). Color blindness: how to design an accessible user interface. https://uxdesign.cc/color-blindness-in-user-interfaces-66c27331b858
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Color blindness. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/color-blindness
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Strabismus, amblyopia, and visual processing. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/grants-and-training/funding-opportunities/programs-and-research-priorities/strabismus-amblyopia-and-visual-processing