Signs of Eye Problems in Children2
- Discomfort or itchiness
- Seeing spots in vision
- Dilated eyes/large pupils
- Spots on the white of the eye
- Blinking or rubbing
- Crust or goop in eyes
- Misaligned eyes
- Head tilting or covering one eye
In School-Age Children, Other Signs to Watch for Include…3
- Quick loss of interest in activities that require eye use
- Losing their place when reading
- Turning the head to look at something in front of them
Common Eye Problems4
- Amblyopia: Lazy eye
- Strabismus: A misalignment of the eyes causing one or both to turn in, out, up, or down
- Refractive errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Help Protect Your Child’s Eyes5
- Schedule routine eye exams
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise
- Purchase protective eye goggles and shields to avoid sports injuries
- Limit screen time to avoid digital eye strain
- Buy age-appropriate eyeglasses (plastic frames, shatterproof lenses, etc.). Ask an eye care professional for recommendations.
Sources
- American Optometric Association. (Aug. 18, 2022). Keeping Children’s Vision in Focus. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- Mukamal, R., Reviewed by Lipsky, S. N.. (Jul. 02, 2021). 10 Child Eye Problems Parents Should Never Ignore. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- Mukamal, R.; Reviewed by Michael X Repka, M. X.; Edited by Porter, D. (April 08, 2022). 20 Things to Know About Children’s Eyes and Vision. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- Lazarus, R. (May 18, 2021). 7 Common Pediatric Eye Conditions. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- Lazarus, R. (Feb. 6, 2022). 5 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Vision. Retrieved March 2, 2023.