6 Common Vision Problems in Children

By Suzy Buglewicz 

 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that nearly 25% of school-aged children have vision problems, and since kids often don't complain about subtle problems with their eyes, it's important for parents to be aware of symptoms that might signal an eye disease or injury.

August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month and with the start of a new school year right around the corner, it's also the perfect time to be on the lookout for these six common eye problems that often go unnoticed. The majority of vision problems that are detected early can be treated effectively.

How often should children have their vision checked?
Good vision is essential for physical and social development, success in school, and overall well being. Since vision changes can occur without anyone noticing them, regular screenings can determine if children need glasses or contacts. Infants, toddlers and school-aged children should have their vision tested during regular pediatric appointments and whenever any of the following symptoms are present:

• Rubbing eyes often
• Squinting or turning head often while trying to focus on an object
• Mentions that things are blurry or hard to see
• Disinterest in reading or viewing faraway objects
• There is a family history of vision problems
• Wandering or crossed eyes
6 Common Vision Problems in Children

Refractive Errors
Myopia, also referred to as nearsightedness, is the most common refractive vision error among school-aged children and occurs when the eyeball is too long for focusing power, causing distant images to appear blurred. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when the eyeball is too short for normal focusing. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the cornea is irregular. Symptoms indicating a refractive error can include headaches, blurred vision, eye strain or fatigue. Refractive errors can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Amblyopia
Also known as "lazy eye", this condition affects about three out of every 100 people and occurs when one eye has not developed normal sight, while the other one has. With early detection, the lazy eye can usually be restored through glasses, surgery on the eye muscles, and patching the stronger eye after treatment to help strengthen the lazy eye.

Strabismus
When the eyes are not properly aligned, this condition also known as cross-eyed occurs, resulting in the child using only the better eye to see to avoid double vision. Symptoms can include one eye focusing straight ahead, while the other eye turns in, out, up or down. Strabismus cannot be outgrown, however glasses can improve focusing.

Color Blindness
Also known as color vision deficiency, this often hereditary condition is the inability to distinguish between colors or shades of colors. Depending on the severity, treatment for color blindness usually includes tinted glasses or contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis
Commonly referred to as pink-eye, symptoms include red or pink eyes and can include discharge, a burning or itching sensation and crusting around the lashes. Although conjunctivitis is highly contagious among pre-school and elementary-aged school children, the condition is easily treatable with prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment.

Corneal Abrasion (Eye Injury)
Nearly 50% of eye injuries occur during sports and recreational activities, and more often in children and teens than any other age group. Eye injuries can damage a child's sight and even cause blindness. Avoid eye injuries by:

• Keeping common household items like cleaning supplies, scissors, forks, rubber bands and even pencils out of the reach of small children. Make sure kids play with age appropriate toys and avoid any with sharp or protruding parts.

• Have your child wear protective eyewear when playing sports, especially those with high velocity ball action like lacrosse, soccer, tennis, basketball and hockey.

To learn more about the symptoms and causes of eye diseases or injuries, or to find a provider near you, download the free mobile healthcare app iTriage from your preferred mobile device or visit http://www.iTriageHealth.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzy_Buglewicz