Signs of Eye Problems in Children_²

• 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

1. American Optometric Association. (Aug. 18, 2022). Keeping Children’s Vision in Focus. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
2. Mukamal, R., Reviewed by Lipsky, S. N.. (Jul. 02, 2021). 10 Child Eye Problems Parents Should Never Ignore. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
3. 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.
4. Lazarus, R. (May 18, 2021). 7 Common Pediatric Eye Conditions. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
5. Lazarus, R. (Feb. 6, 2022). 5 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Vision. Retrieved March 2, 2023.