The eyes help people take in the world around them and play a vital role in children's development. Eye and vision health is increasingly important for kids. It ensures their social, academic, and sports performances. Vision accounts for about 80 percent of classroom learning. Minor visual impairments can significantly impact kids' lives. Parents must be aware of common vision problems in kids.

Refractive Errors

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are refractive errors affecting how the eye focuses light. A cornea that is too long or too curved focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in nearsightedness. This can make it difficult to see distant objects.

Farsightedness results when the cornea is not adequately curved or the eye is too short. This causes light to focus behind rather than directly on the retina. That can make it difficult to see close-up objects.

An unevenly curved cornea focuses on multiple points instead of just one, resulting in distorted vision. Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can help address these conditions by correctly focusing light on the retina.

Strabismus

Crossed eyes is a condition where the eyes point in different directions. It is also known as strabismus. It can be caused by factors such as muscle imbalances, eye misalignment, or problems with the eye's ability to focus. 

This condition, if left untreated, can result in double vision and reduced vision in one eye. Eyeglasses, eye patches, or surgery may help realign the eyes and improve vision.

Amblyopia

When one eye is less developed than the other, it is referred to as having a lazy eye or amblyopia. This results in decreased vision in that eye. Factors that can cause this problem include a difference in prescription between the two eyes, eye misalignment, or a blockage of light entering the eye. 

Patching the stronger eye to force the weaker one to work harder and improve vision, or using eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct any underlying vision problems, may help treat amblyopia.

Ptosis

Ptosis, or droopy eyelid, is where the eyelid droops or sags. Muscle weakness, nerve damage, and other underlying conditions can contribute to this condition. It can impair vision by obstructing the eye's ability to see clearly. Treatment options include eyeglasses to help lift the eyelid or surgery to repair the underlying problem and improve vision.

Pediatric Eye Exams

Pediatric eye exams are critical for detecting and treating vision issues in kids. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can help prevent long-term vision issues. Around six months, children should get their first thorough eye examination, followed by regular eye exams every one to two years. Those with a family history of vision problems may require more frequent eye exams.

Conclusion

If you suspect your child has a vision issue, you should consult an eye doctor to evaluate and determine the best course of treatment. Early detection and treatment of vision problems in kids can aid in the prevention of long-term vision issues and improve the overall quality of life.

For more on childhood vision problems, visit Eye Carumba Optometry at our San Francisco, California office. Call 415-360-6900 to schedule an appointment today.