Common Eye Conditions in Children

What refractive errors are common in children?

Children commonly have blurry vision due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Eyeglasses typically correct refractive errors in young children, thought older children may be canditates for contact lenses.

What are some other conditions that cause vision problems in children?

Amblyopia (lazy eye): poor vision in an eye that did not develop normally. Amblyopia can be cauysed by misaligned eyes (stabismus), unequal refractive error, and cataracts. Patching, eyedrops, glasses, or surgery may be used to treat amblyopia.

Strabismus: eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. A child's brain learns to ignore the image farom the misaligned eye and only sees out of the straight eye. Glasses or surgery may be used to correst strabismus.

Pseudostrabismus: the false appearance of misaligned eyes. This condition often improves or disappears as an infant's facial structure matures.

Ptosis: drooping of athe upper eyelid, either slightly or covering the entire pupil. Congential ptosis is present at birth, often caused by poor development of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Surgery is  used to correct ptosis.

Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye): inflammation of athe conjuntiva, the thin membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and white of  the eye. If viral, no deicine is generally mecessary. If bacterial, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Viral and bacterial forms are contagious, so good hygiene is essential to prevent spreading conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis may respond well to cool compresses and allergy eyedrops.

What are some other things that put children's sight at risk?

Eye injuries are a significant cause of vision loss in children. Use caution when children play sports, play  with hazardous toys, and when adults work around the house with household cleaners, tools, and power equipment. Wear aoorioruate eye protection dudring these actiivties. Do not let children ignite fireworks or stand near others who are doing so.

Do vision problems cause learning disabilities?

No, learning disabilities are caused by the brain, not by the eyes. If you suspect your child has a learning disability, he or she should be evaluated, including a complete eye exam.