Does your child blink or rub their eyes often? Do they have trouble following an object with their eyes, or maybe they squint or frown while looking at something? If so, your kid likely has some sort of vision problem. Here are some of the common vision conditions a child may develop:
Refractive Errors. This vision problem causes blurry vision. A child with a refractive error will have difficulty seeing at near or far distances, or both. Another common refractive error is astigmatism or distorted vision. Without treatment, the problem may lead to vision loss and amblyopia. Refractive errors are treated with prescription eyewear. In extreme cases, the eye doctor may recommend surgery.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye). This refers to poor sight in a normal eye. Since the vision problem affects only one eye, your child will likely function normally with one good eye and be unaware of the issue. That’s why early diagnosis is crucial. The lazy eye may appear normal, but it could also turn in. Treatment for this vision problem aims to address the underlying cause by using eyeglasses, patching, or surgery.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes). Also known as squint or turned eyes, strabismus occurs when the eyes point in different directions. One eye could be straight, while the other may point up, down, in, or out. The misalignment could be apparent all the time, or it may only come and go. The condition may also be present at birth or surface later. Treatment for strabismus generally depends on your child’s age and eye misalignment. Your kid may require prescription glasses, prisms, patching, and eye muscle exercises. If these don’t work, your eye doctor may recommend surgery.
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid). This vision problem is characterized by the drooping of one or both eyelids. The lid may droop slightly, cover the eye or pupil entirely, or even block normal vision. Treatment for droopy eyelid in children usually involves surgery. There are few cases, however, that the eye doctor will correct the condition with medications.
Nystagmus. This is a condition that happens when the eyes move swiftly and uncontrollably. The movement could occur from side to side, up and down, and in a circle. Treatment for nystagmus depends on what caused the condition. There’s no cure for congenital nystagmus. But patients born with this condition can benefit from prescription eyewear. It won’t fix the problem. However, glasses or contact lenses may slow eye movements and allow patients to achieve clearer vision. In rare cases, surgery may be ideal for repositioning the eye muscles to limit eye movement.
Apart from these vision problems, your child may also deal with a blocked tear duct, color blindness, and eye infections. To stay on top of your kid’s eye and vision health, you need to schedule a routine screening with a qualified eye doctor. Schedule their complete eye examination today with our team of experts in Today’s Vision. Call our office in Laguna Niguel, California, at (949) 518-0055 to book your appointment.