Vision Problems in Children

Many common eyesight problems occur in children. Early diagnosis is crucial—conditions are often picked up in the post-birth checks or at the first vital eye checks that all children should undergo. The following looks at some of the vision problems that many infants and children suffer from and a brief overview of how they’re treated.

Children, Vision Problems, & Treatments

• 8 of the most common vision problems in children

8 of the most common vision problems in children

The following are conditions that can affect children (and adults), either at birth or during their development:

1. Nystagmus: This is where the eyes move involuntarily in a rhythmical fashion, perhaps up and down or side-to-side. It can be a sign of a neurological disorder or another eye condition. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but can include medication, eye muscle surgery, and corrective lenses.
2. Lazy Eye: This is where one eye fails to develop normally and results in one-sided poor vision. The clinical name for the condition is amblyopia. If treated early, it usually responds well. Therapy ranges from an eye patch over the good eye to eye drops, glasses, and surgery.
3. Drooping Eyelid: Known as pediatric ptosis, this is caused by a muscle weakness that elevates the eyelid. This can then prevent the passage of light through the eye and result in astigmatism. It can also cause a lazy eye. Treatment is essential as, in severe cases, it can cause blindness in the affected eye. Surgery may be necessary.
4. Childhood Tearing: This can occur soon after birth or later during development—the clinical name is epiphora. In infants, it tends to happen because of blocked tear ducts. This often improves on its own or with the help of strategic massage and/or eye drops. In cases that don’t improve, a surgical procedure to clear the drainage system might be necessary.
5. Crossed Eyes: Known as strabismus, this is where the eyes are misaligned. They might turn in any direction—upwards, downwards, outwards, or inwards. It can also cause double vision and/or lazy eye. Treatment includes eye patching, eyeglasses, Botox injections, or surgery.
6. Double Vision: The most usual reason for this is crossed eyes. The medical name for the condition is diplopia. The treatment usually involves treating the underlying cause, such as the crossed eyes, so is similar to the above.
7. Pediatric Cataract: This is where the lens of the eye becomes clouded, preventing the clear passage of light through the eye. It can be present from birth or occur during childhood. The same as in older adults, treatment is surgical. This will usually need to be followed by wearing corrective lenses.
8. Refractive Errors: Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. Much the same as for adults, they’re usually treated with corrective lenses.

The key aspect regarding children and vision problems is regular eye checks throughout their development. This, combined with timely treatment should a problem be discovered, will provide the child with the best chance of great lifetime vision.

For Adults & Children, Vision Problems of All Kinds are Treated at the WBEC

The West Boca Eye Center is a leading global facility that specializes in both routine and specialty care for adults, minors, and infants. The key to great vision is time-appropriate routine care combined with the expertise necessary to treat specific conditions.At the WBEC, world-leading clinicians with areas of expertise that cover every aspect of eye health make this truly a one-stop-shop for all adult and pediatric treatment and routine eye care.Don’t leave vision to chance. Head  https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/routine-eye-care/ to discover more about our services and get in touch today to book a consultation.