Common Vision Problems in Children

At EYEcenter Optometric, our optometrists encourage you to schedule regular pediatric eye care visits for your children of all ages. A number of eye and vision problems commonly affect kids, and we are experienced and qualified to evaluate your child’s vision thoroughly. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor will check visual acuity, as well as inspect for any signs of a vision problem that may require vision therapy for treatment. With five offices in the greater Sacramento area – in Citrus Heights, Gold River, Midtown Sacramento, Rocklin, and Folsom, we make it easy and convenient for you to provide your kids with sharp vision!

What vision problems are common in kids?

Some, but not all childhood eye conditions can be detected by school vision screening and having your child read an acuity chart. For example, this type of testing is generally sufficient to detect nearsightedness and farsightedness, both of which are corrected effectively with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, only a comprehensive pediatric eye exam done by an eye doctor can diagnose several other kids’ visual disorders that can interfere with learning. Our eye doctor has outlined the most common childhood vision conditions:

Amblyopia

Also known as lazy eye, amblyopia describes poor vision in an eye that may seem to function normally. Generally, amblyopia is caused by crossed eyes or a difference in the refractive error between each of the two eyes. When left untreated over time, the brain is conditioned to ignore visual signals from the weaker eye, which can eventually lead to vision loss in that eye. It is best to treat amblyopia as early as possible, ideally before age eight.

Strabismus

Strabismus refers to misaligned eyes; it often appears as crossed eyes. When diagnosed early, patching the eye that is properly aligned can help to restore vision in the misaligned eye. Sometimes, special glasses or surgery is required to align the eyes.

Myopia

Better known as nearsightedness, myopia refers to poor distance vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses are the frontline treatment.

Progressive myopia

When nearsightedness worsens continuously and your child needs a stronger vision prescription yearly, it is called progressive myopia. In recent years, studies have linked high myopia with an increased risk of several eye diseases that can be dangerous to future vision. In order to reduce the risks of progressive myopia, there are various methods of myopia control. Ask our eye doctor for more information.

Hyperopia

Commonly called farsightedness, hyperopia is when a person can see objects in the distance more clearly than objects that are near. Eyeglasses or contact lenses are effective treatment.

Astigmatism

This condition describes an uneven curvature of the corneal surface that causes blurry vision. Astigmatism is typically treated well with eyeglasses.

Pediatric ptosis (drooping eyelid)

Children can be born with ptosis or develop it during childhood. It appears like a drooping eyelid, and is caused by weakness in the muscle that raises the eyelid. Ptosis can affect vision by blocking light passing to the retina, as well as causing astigmatism that leads to blurry vision. When left untreated, it can cause amblyopia (lazy eye). When ptosis is significant, surgery may be recommended to correct it.

Convergence insufficiency and binocular vision problems

Eyes must team and work together in order to read and process information. When kids’ eyes don’t team properly, they may experience double vision, eye fatigue, poor depth perception, and headaches. This condition, called convergence insufficiency, can compromise learning – making it hard to read and write. A complete pediatric eye exam can diagnose convergence insufficiency, and vision therapy is the typical and effective treatment that our optometrist recommends.

Book routine pediatric eye exams in Citrus Heights, Gold River, Midtown Sacramento, Rocklin, and Folsom

We specialize in providing pediatric eye care with a gentle, friendly bedside manner! Because many kids do not complain about their vision, even if they can’t see clearly – routine eye exams are critical. It is the only reliable way to diagnose or rule out many common childhood vision problems, and to get started with treatment if it is needed. Remember – early treatment goes far towards a successful visual outcome!

We invite you to schedule regular kids’ eye exams in any of our optometrist offices in Greater Sacramento. An undetected vision condition can interfere with learning and development, so why take risks with the quality of your child’s vision?

We offer emergency services for existing patients who require immediate and urgent eye care.