Children's visual health is essential to their development, learning, and well-being. However, many vision problems go unnoticed because children are not always able to express what they see (or don't see). That's why early detection is crucial.
The most common vision problems in children
- Hyperopia: Often present from birth, hyperopia causes blurred near vision. A slight degree is normal in young children, but a higher level can lead to eye strain, headaches, or difficulty concentrating in class.
- Myopia: Increasingly common, myopia causes blurred distance vision. It can worsen as children grow. A child who squints, moves closer to the screen or blackboard, or complains of not being able to see well in the distance may be nearsighted.
- Astigmatism: Astigmatism distorts vision at all distances due to an irregular curvature of the cornea. It can cause headaches, eye strain, and difficulty reading.
- Strabismus: This is a misalignment of the eyes: one eye may appear to deviate inward, outward, upward, or downward. It may be constant or appear intermittently. Strabismus requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss (amblyopia).
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
This disorder occurs when vision in one eye does not develop normally. Amblyopia is often caused by strabismus or a significant difference in prescription between the two eyes. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of correcting it effectively.
Signs to watch for:
Certain behaviours may indicate a visual disorder in a child:
- Squinting or holding objects too close to the eyes
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive blinking
- Difficulty reading or following lines of text
- Frequent headaches
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Difficulty paying attention or performing well in school
The importance of eye exams
Regular eye exams are essential, even in the absence of symptoms. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:
- A first exam at 6 months
- A second exam between 2 and 5 years of age
- Then, an annual exam throughout school
An optometrist can detect vision problems early and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Possible treatments
Fortunately, most vision problems in children can be corrected or effectively managed:
- Glasses: to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Eye patches or drops: to treat amblyopia by forcing the lazy eye to work
- Vision therapy: for certain coordination or visual perception disorders
- Surgery: in some severe cases of strabismus
Visual health is a fundamental pillar of child development. Early detection and appropriate management not only improve vision, but also prevent lasting impacts on learning and quality of life. As a parent, educator, or healthcare professional, being attentive to the signs and scheduling regular checkups with an optometrist can make all the difference.
At IRIS, we care about the visual health of young children. Make an appointment for a child-friendly eye exam, and stay ahead of vision problems.
