3 Common Eye Conditions In Children
It's important for children to get eye exams from a doctor of optometry, or an optometrist, on a routine basis. According to eye care professionals, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam before they turn one. If there are no problems with their vision, children can wait until they start kindergarten to have their next comprehensive eye exam. The primary reason for these early eye exams is to detect vision problems early, which makes them easier to treat.
When an optometrist detects vision problems, it may be one of these three common eye conditions in children.
1. Amblyopia
This eye condition is commonly referred to as lazy eye. Amblyopia usually only causes poor vision in one eye. It is rare for this condition to affect both of the eyes. In most cases, lazy eye is caused by an imbalance in the eye muscles, which prevents the eyes from working together. Eventually, one eye becomes weaker than the other. The weaker eye then starts to wander either inward or outward.
One of the most effective treatment options for amblyopia is wearing an eye patch over the good eye for a certain amount of time each day. Other treatment options may include corrective eyewear, eye drops, and surgery.
2. Refractive Errors
This eye condition prevents a child from seeing clearly. The three primary types of refractive errors include:
- Myopia or nearsightedness
- Hyperopia or farsightedness
- Astigmatism or when the eye isn't completely round
Symptoms of refractive errors include blurry vision, difficulty reading, and crossing of the eyes. Children with refractive errors may also sit too close to the television, rub their eyes, or complain of headaches.
Since learning requires children to have clear vision, it is important for parents to have their child's eyes examined if they suspect a refractive error. In most cases, refractive errors can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses.
3. Diplopia
If a child's eyes are misaligned, or point in different directions, it could result in diplopia. This eye condition is commonly referred to as double vision. Other common causes of double vision include problems with the cornea or brain trauma that prevents the brain from sending signals to the optic nerve.
Children with diplopia may frequently rub their eyes, complain of headaches or eye pain, or cover one of their eyes in order to see better. Treatment options for double vision include vision therapy, wearing eyeglasses with a prism lens, or wearing an eye patch. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary in order to realign the eyes.
For more information, contact a local optometry clinic.
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