When it comes to a child’s health, parents usually know best. You are the first line of observation and diagnosis when it comes to your child’s overall health particularly their eye health. Unlike an upset stomach or an ear ache, eye problems can often have external indicators. According to Prevent Blindness America here are some symptoms that your child may have if he or she has a potential eye problem:
What do your child’s eyes look like?
- Eyes don’t line up, one eye appears crossed or looks outward
- Eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted or swollen
- Eyes are watery or red (inflamed)
How does your child act?
- Rubs eyes a lot
- Closes or covers one eye
- Tilts head or thrusts head forward
- Has trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or holds objects close to eyes to see
- Blinks more than usual or seems cranky when doing close-up work
- Squints eyes or frowns
Your child can also express verbally if they are having eye problems. If they complain of itchy or burning eyes, a trip to the eye doctor is in order. Ongoing complaints of dizziness, headaches or nausea could also indicate an eye problem or perhaps a larger medical issue. Of course, if your child complains that their vision is blurry or they are seeing double you should visit the doctor as well.
Eye health is nothing to take for granted so please take your child to their pediatrician ophthalmologist.