Health

Common Pediatric Eye Problems

As a parent, seeing your child struggling with eye problems can be incredibly distressing. Pediatric eye issues can concern parents, whether it’s difficulty focusing or constant eye rubbing. Fortunately, pediatric eyecare Chicago can help detect eye problems affecting your child before they become serious.

 Here are common pediatric eye problems that you should know.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye,” is a condition where one eye is weaker than the other. As a result, the brain begins to ignore the weaker eye, and vision in that eye doesn’t develop properly. This can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye without treatment.

One of the most common causes of amblyopia is strabismus, an incorrect alignment of the eyes. If your child’s eyes don’t point in the same direction, one eye may become weaker over time. Other causes of amblyopia include cataracts and other eye diseases. It’s important to catch amblyopia early, as treatment is most effective in young children.

Strabismus

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are misaligned, meaning they are not looking in the same direction. One eye may be pointing straight ahead, while the other may be turned inward, upward, or downward. This can cause your child to have double vision or make it difficult to focus on objects. Strabismus can be caused by several factors, including problems with the muscles that control eye movement or even neurological conditions.

If your child has strabismus, it’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for this condition may involve glasses, patching of one eye, or even surgery to realign the eyes. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term vision problems.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that can affect children of all ages. It’s caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies, and it can be highly contagious.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, discharge, and swelling of the eyes. Your child may also be sensitive to light and have difficulty opening their eyes in the morning.

Myopia

Myopia, also known as “nearsightedness,” is a condition where your child can see objects up close but has difficulty seeing things far away. It’s caused by an elongated eyeball, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. This can make it difficult for your child to see things clearly when they are playing outside, watching a movie, or reading a chalkboard at school.

You can treat myopia by wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct the vision or even special lenses that can help to slow the progression of the condition. It’s important to take your child to a doctor who will check your child’s vision regularly to ensure that they see clearly and comfortably.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, also known as “farsightedness,” is a condition where your child can see objects far away but has difficulty seeing things up close. It’s caused by a shortened eyeball, which causes light to focus behind the retina rather than on it.

If your child has hyperopia, they may have difficulty with reading, writing, and other activities that require close vision.

Call Eye Q Optique to book your appointment for pediatric eye care.

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