School-age children need good vision for all sorts of tasks, ranging from learning at school to participating in sports and other activities. Unfortunately, according to Prevent Blindness America, a quarter of children suffer from vision problems, which left untreated, can lead to serious issues over the years.
Here are some of the most common eye health problems to look out for in your children:
Myopia
Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is one of the most common vision problems in children. Although this condition means that children are unable to see objects in the distance clearly, young kids in particular may not complain of any visual difficulties. Therefore, it’s important to look out for the following signs:
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close to the face.
- Squinting, tilting the head, or closing one eye to see better.
- Rubbing eyes or blinking often.
- Aversion to sports.
- Decline in school performance.
- Discomfort when using a computer.
Hyperopia
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, refers to a difficulty focusing on close-up objects. Look out for:
- Rubbing of the eyes.
- Frequent headaches.
- Showing little interest in reading, using a finger to follow lines of text, or losing place when reading.
- Poor performance at school.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Overusing computers and devices can lead to a condition called computer vision syndrome. As children are more susceptible to this problem than adults, it’s important to limit screen time and look out for the following warning signs:
- Blurred or double vision.
- Eye irritation or discomfort.
- Headaches, neck pain, or back pain.
- Dry or red eyes.
Other Issues
You should also pay your eye doctor a visit if you notice your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, advises Healthy Children. These signs may indicate a vision problem or eye health issue:
- Misalignment.
- Redness, tearing, or pus.
- White color in the pupil.
- Bulging or fluttering eyes.
- Pain, discomfort, or itchiness.
- Drooping eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
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