Parents know their children better than anyone. You notice when they’re not acting like themselves, whether it’s a drop in school performance, a struggle to concentrate on homework, or a sudden aversion to reading. There is a possibility that these subtle changes are not behavioral at all, but rather are indicators of a vision problem that has gone undetected.
In this blog, we discuss common eye problems in kids, how to identify them, and the importance of pediatric eye exams.
Why children need eye exams early in life
Children don’t always know how to explain what they’re seeing or not seeing. They may assume everyone sees the way they do, even if their vision is blurry or distorted. Eye exams can detect common eye problems in children, even if your child doesn’t complain of any issues.
The American Optometric Association recommends scheduling a child’s first eye exam at 6 to 12 months of age (which we offer at no cost to you through the InfantSEE® program), another at age 3, and again before they start school. After that, annual eye exams are vital for screening for any issues and intervening early if necessary.
Common eye problems in children
Here are a few of the most common eye issues we see in children and the signs that might signal something is off:
1. Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, & astigmatism)
These are the most common vision problems in children. They happen when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision up close or at a distance.
Signs to watch for:
- Squinting, especially when reading or watching TV
- Sitting very close to screens
- Tilting the head when reading or focusing on objects
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Rubbing eyes frequently
2. Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia occurs when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision. It’s often caused by one eye being significantly stronger than the other, resulting in the brain eventually ignoring the weaker eye and only using the stronger eye to see.
Signs to watch for:
- Favoring one eye or turning the head to see
- One eye that wanders inward or outward
- Poor depth perception
- Difficulty catching or throwing balls
3. Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Strabismus is a disorder in which the eyes don’t look in the same direction at the same time. This misalignment can be caused by nerve injury or dysfunction in the muscles that control the eye.
Signs to watch for:
- Misaligned eyes
- Squinting or closing one eye in bright sunlight
- Tilting the head to see
- Bumping into objects or struggling with coordination
4. Convergence insufficiency
This condition affects how the eyes work together when focusing on close-up tasks like reading or writing.
Signs to watch for:
- Losing their place while reading
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Double vision when reading
- Trouble focusing or paying attention in school
Schedule an exam today
Even if your child doesn’t show symptoms, regular eye exams are key to ensuring their vision is developing correctly. Vision issues can impact learning, coordination, and self-confidence. However, when caught early, most problems are highly treatable.
Our dedicated team offers gentle, comprehensive pediatric eye exams in Sioux Falls, SD, including InfantSEE® exams for babies, to detect issues early and support your child’s development. If you’re searching for experienced, caring pediatric eye care, we’re here for you and your family. Schedule a visit with our experts today.