As a parent, it's part of your job to ensure that your child is healthy in every way possible, and that includes their eye health. A child’s eyes are constantly in use, teaching them about the world around them through reading, writing, and more.

A Latinx female doctor sits with a young Latinx male patient during an eye exam in the doctor’s office

Common Eye Problems in Children and When to Seek Help

At home, it can be difficult to recognise eye problems in children since they may not always express their concerns. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant and know what signs to look for so you can take the necessary steps to protect your child's vision. Here are some common eye problems in children and when to seek help.

Crossed or turned eyes

Eyes that are not aligned could be a sign of a problem called Strabismus. This condition can cause vision problems, and early intervention is essential. Seek help from an Eye Care Professional as soon as you can.

Squinting

If your child is squinting or complaining of blurry vision, they may have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). An eye test can determine if your child needs vision correction.

Watery or red eyes

Children who persistently have watery or red eyes may be suffering from allergies, infection, or inflammation. It's important to see an Eye Care Professional if this occurs.

Poor school performance

If your child is struggling in school, it may be due to an undiagnosed vision problem. A comprehensive eye test can determine if your child needs glasses or other treatment.

Headshot profile picture of Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO

Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO is the Global Director, Specialty Platforms Research & Development, at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the strategy, design, and development of new products to support the company’s global Astigmatism and Presbyopia platforms.

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Footnotes

Consult your Eye Care Professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For more information, including warnings and precautions, carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website www.e-ifu.com.

Important Information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website https://www.e-ifu.com/

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