Common Vision Problems in Children and Their Symptoms

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in their development, learning, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, many vision problems can go undetected because kids may not realize they are seeing the world differently than they should. Early detection and management of common childhood vision issues, like myopia, can make all the difference in their quality of life and long-term eye health.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams

Regular pediatric eye exams play a vital role in ensuring healthy visual development and identifying potential vision problems early. Children often do not recognize or communicate vision issues, as they may assume their experience is normal. A comprehensive eye exam can detect conditions like myopia, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and other vision or eye health concerns before they significantly impact a child’s learning, development, and daily activities. 
 

These exams also provide an opportunity to monitor changes in vision over time, allowing for timely interventions. By prioritizing regular eye exams, parents can help safeguard their child’s vision and set them up for success in school and beyond.
 

Myopia: A Growing Concern

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems in children. It causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Symptoms of myopia may include:
 

• Squinting to see distant objects
   

• Holding books or devices very close to the face
   

• Complaining about headaches or eye strain
   

• Difficulty seeing the board at school
   

Myopia is not just a matter of wearing stronger glasses over time—it can have long-term implications for eye health. High levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts later in life.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia management aims to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. By addressing myopia early, we can help preserve your child’s vision and reduce their risk of associated eye diseases. At Keen Eye Optometry, we offer several advanced solutions tailored to manage myopia effectively.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is not only convenient but also highly effective at slowing myopia progression.
 

MiSight® Contact Lenses

MiSight® contact lenses are soft, daily disposable lenses specifically designed for children with myopia. These lenses feature innovative technology that not only corrects your child’s vision but also helps slow the progression of nearsightedness. Studies have shown that children using MiSight lenses experience significantly slower myopia progression compared to those using regular lenses.
 

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops are another effective option for myopia management. These drops are used in low concentrations and work by reducing the elongation of the eye, which is the primary cause of myopia progression. Atropine treatment is safe for children and can be used in conjunction with other myopia management methods.
 

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Child’s Vision

Ensuring your child’s vision health is a crucial step in supporting their overall development and well-being. By addressing common vision problems like myopia early and taking advantage of advanced myopia management options, you can help protect your child’s eyesight and reduce their risk of future complications. We’re here to provide expert care and personalized solutions to support your child’s vision every step of the way.
 

Book a comprehensive pediatric eye exam with Keen Eye Optometry and explore the latest solutions for managing myopia. Visit our office in Chino, California, or call (909) 393-8838 to schedule an appointment today.