The 7 Common Childhood Eye Problems

It is important for a child’s development that they get their eyes checked regularly.

A child’s eyes grow and develop rapidly in the early years. Detection of eye problems early on will reduce potential long-term vision problems which can lead to problems in the child’s school performance, social interaction, and self-esteem.

One in five children live with undiagnosed eye conditions.

Here are seven common childhood eye conditions that an eye exam can detect. Whilst most conditions are rare, only a regular eye exam can catch them early.

Your Eyecare Plus optometrist has the experience and skill to detect and treat these conditions.

1. Refraction

When the eye has trouble bending light to reach the retina (back of the eye), this leads to blurry vision. Your Eyecare Plus optometrist will look for refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism (imperfect curve of the cornea) or hyperopia (longsightedness).

2. Eye injuries

Children are prone to accidents, and this includes eyes. Common eye problems are a scratched cornea or a foreign body in the eye, such as wood or glass or metal shavings.

3. Paediatric Glaucoma (congenital)

Glaucoma is associated with high pressure within the eye which can damage the optic nerve. Early detection and treatment are essential for positive outcomes.

4. Paediatric Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Usually associated with older adults, it sometimes occurs in newborns.

5. Conjunctivitis

More children than adults get conjunctivitis, which is an infection that causes redness of the white part of your eyes. It can be contagious, or it may be caused by an allergy.

6. Strabismus

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, when one eye may be turned outward, or inward or upward or downward. If detection and treatment is delayed, it can lead to a condition called amblyopia (‘lazy eye’) and cause vision loss.

7. Amblyopia

Also known as ‘lazy eye,’ amblyopia results from a miscommunication between the eyes and the brain, leading to one or both eyes developing abnormally. Approximately three out of every 100 children have it. If detected early, amblyopia treatment has a high success rate.

Our Commitment to You

Eyecare Plus is committed to patient care.

To ensure we follow correct COVID protocols patient appointments times are staggered to prevent over-crowding or long queues in the waiting rooms.

All Eyecare Plus, optometrists, dispensers and staff wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks and eye protection.

All Eyecare Plus locations undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures and all optometrists, dispensers and staff are vaccinated.

All patients are required to wear a mask to appointments. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide one for you.

We care about your family’s overall health.

Contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist to book an appointment.