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Common eye problems in children: symptoms and conditions to look out for

A child’s eyes are constantly at work, helping them learn about the world through reading, playing, and exploring. This heavy reliance on vision can become a challenge for some parents, since about one in four children in the United States have a vision issue that requires treatment. Learn common symptoms for parents to look out for and some of the most common eye conditions that children face.

Medically reviewed on May 22, 2026

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Published on August 21, 2024; Updated on

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5 minute read

Key takeaways

Refractive errors (focusing issues) like myopia and astigmatism are the most common eye conditions children may face
Parents should keep an eye out for crossed or turned eyes, frequent eye rubbing, squinting, watery or red eyes, light sensitivity and/or poor performance in school
Eye and vision problems can start as early as infancy
Screen time can impact a child’s eyes, from discomfort to a higher chance of developing myopia
Children should see an eye doctor following American Optometric Association recommendations to help monitor visual development

What are 5 signs that your child may have an eye condition?

Key warning signs that your child may have an eye condition include crossed eyes, squinting to read or watch tv, redness that doesn’t go away, light sensitivity, and a drop in school performance. It’s important to note that while screenings at school provide a helpful baseline, they can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. As a parent, you know your child best, so monitoring your child's daily behavior is one of the best ways to catch an issue early. Here are five common signs that can be a good indicator that it’s time to visit your eye doctor or pediatrician.

1. Crossed or turned eyes

Eyes that are not aligned properly could be a sign of a problem called strabismus. This condition occurs when the eye muscles do not work together, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. Childhood strabismus, when untreated, can cause long-term vision problems, and early intervention is essential. Seek help from an eye doctor as soon as you notice any misalignment.

2. Squinting and frequent eye rubbing

If your child constantly squints or rubs their eyes while watching TV or reading, they might be trying to compensate for vision problems including refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Squinting temporarily changes the shape of the eye to improve focus, so it’s an indicator that your child's vision might need correction.

3. Watery or red eyes

Children who consistently have watery, swollen, or red eyes may be experiencing allergies, infection, or inflammation. While occasional redness from tired eyes is normal, irritation that doesn’t go away needs to be checked by an eye doctor.

4. Light sensitivity

Extreme sensitivity to indoor or outdoor light may be a sign of an underlying eye condition, like allergies, conjunctivitis, iritis or uveitis. These inflammatory conditions can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. If your child shields their eyes constantly or complains of pain in bright environments, seek help immediately.

5. Learning difficulties in school

If your child is suddenly struggling to see the board in school or losing interest in reading, it may be due to an undiagnosed vision problem rather than a learning difficulty. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if your child needs glasses or another treatment to help them succeed in the classroom.

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10 common eye conditions in children

The most common eye conditions in children are refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (crossed eyes), and amblyopia (lazy eye). However, several other issues can affect a child’s vision. Here are ten common pediatric eye conditions.

1. Myopia (nearsightedness)

Myopia is a refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and can worsen as a child grows. There is also evidence that “near work” like reading, drawing or using digital devices might increase the chances of myopia or make it worse. If left uncorrected, it can make it difficult for children to see the board in class, participate in sports, and engage in other daily activities.

2. Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia, where close objects appear blurry while distant objects are seen more clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough. Many infants are born with mild hyperopia that self-corrects as their eyes develop. However, significant hyperopia can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with reading or other near tasks.

3. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common condition where the cornea or natural lens of the eye is not perfectly round, causing vision to be blurry at all distances. It happens when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, similar to an American football rather than a sphere. This prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which can lead to distorted or fuzzy vision. Astigmatism often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia and can cause eye strain and headaches.

4. Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition where vision in one eye does not develop properly during early childhood. It happens when the brain favors one eye over the other. The brain begins to ignore signals from the weaker eye, causing its vision to worsen. Early treatment is crucial and may involve patching the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to work harder.

5. Strabismus (crossed eyes)

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, causing one or both eyes to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent. In children, strabismus can lead to amblyopia if the brain starts to ignore the input from the misaligned eye. Treatment may include glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to realign the eye muscles.

6. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids). It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and often cause redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is triggered by allergens like pollen or dust.

7. Chalazion and stye

A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. A stye is a painful, red bump that looks like a pimple and typically forms at the edge of the eyelid when an oil gland becomes infected. While both are caused by blocked glands, styes are infectious and more painful. Both conditions can usually be treated at home with warm compresses to help drain the blockage.

8. Blocked tear ducts

A blocked tear duct occurs when the eye’s drainage system is partially or fully obstructed, preventing tears from draining normally. This is a common condition in infants and often resolves on its own within the first year of life. Symptoms include excessive tearing, watery eyes, and occasional crusting or mild discharge. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can sometimes help open the blockage.

9. Pediatric cataracts

While often associated with adults, cataracts can also occur in children. A pediatric cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that can be present at birth or develop later in childhood. It can affect one or both eyes and may cause blurry vision or prevent vision from developing correctly. If the cataract is significant, surgery is often required to remove it and allow for proper visual development.

10. Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops over the eye, which can be present in one or both eyes. In children, it is often caused by a weakness in the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. If the droop is severe enough to cover the pupil, it can block vision and lead to amblyopia. In such cases, surgery may be recommended to lift the eyelid and ensure vision develops properly.

At what age do eye problems start in children?

Eye problems can start as early as infancy, though many common conditions develop between the ages of three and five, or when a child reaches school age. Most babies are born with healthy eyes and develop their vision as they grow. However, conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) or severe refractive errors can appear in the first few months of life.

Because vision development is so rapid during early childhood, experts recommend staying proactive. Do not wait for your child to complain about their sight, as young children rarely know what clear vision is supposed to look like. Early detection empowers you to correct minor issues before they impact your child's learning and development.

How screen time impacts children’s eyes

With the rise of digital learning and entertainment, children spend more time on screens than ever before. When children stare at tablets or computers, their blink rate decreases significantly, which prevents the eyes from staying properly lubricated. This can lead to digital eye strain, which include symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. There’s also evidence that “near work” like screen time, drawing and even reading can increase the risk of developing myopia.

Encourage your child to take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit relaxes the focusing muscles inside the eye and reduces daily fatigue.

The effect of screen time on children’s eyes

How often should your child see an eye doctor?

Even if your child is not showing signs of vision problems right now, you should schedule regular comprehensive eye exams as they grow. Routine exams help catch and manage conditions like childhood myopia before they interfere with daily life.

According to the American Optometric Association, you should follow this recommended schedule for pediatric eye exams:

Between six and 12 months of age: Their first comprehensive baseline eye exam.
Between three and five years of age: At least one comprehensive eye exam.
Before first grade until adulthood: An annual comprehensive eye exam.

Taking these steps can help ensure your child has the visual tools they need to thrive.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a school vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

A school vision screening is a basic test that checks for general blurriness and major vision issues. A comprehensive eye exam is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and evaluates the overall health of the eye, internal structures, and complex focusing abilities.

Why is my child squinting with one eye?

There are many reasons your child could be squinting with one eye, including allergies, infection, or uncorrected vision issues. The best way to find out is to take your child to an eye doctor for a diagnosis.

Can my child wear contact lenses?

It depends on many factors, like maturity, the ability to take care of the lenses, and most importantly, the recommendation of your eye doctor. Many children and teenagers successfully wear contact lenses, and they can be great for active children who play sports.

Can vision problems affect school performance?

Yes, having difficulty seeing what the teacher is teaching can cause children to miss valuable information, lose interest, and/or act out.

Is childhood farsightedness permanent?

Not always. Many infants and toddlers are born with mild hyperopia (farsightedness) that naturally resolves as their eyes grow and lengthen. However, if the hyperopia is severe or causes eye strain, your doctor will prescribe corrective lenses.

How can I protect my child's eyes outdoors?

Always encourage your child to wear sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection when playing outside. Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful rays can damage the internal structures of the eye over time.

Common eye problems in children: symptoms and conditions to look out for

Key takeaways

What are 5 signs that your child may have an eye condition?

1. Crossed or turned eyes

2. Squinting and frequent eye rubbing

3. Watery or red eyes

4. Light sensitivity

5. Learning difficulties in school

10 common eye conditions in children

1. Myopia (nearsightedness)

2. Hyperopia (farsightedness)

3. Astigmatism

4. Amblyopia (lazy eye)

5. Strabismus (crossed eyes)

6. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

7. Chalazion and stye

8. Blocked tear ducts

9. Pediatric cataracts

10. Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

At what age do eye problems start in children?

How screen time impacts children’s eyes

How often should your child see an eye doctor?

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Screen time’s effect on vision and myopia

Is your child ready for contact lenses?

Common eye problems in children: symptoms and conditions to look out for

Key takeaways

What are 5 signs that your child may have an eye condition?

1. Crossed or turned eyes

2. Squinting and frequent eye rubbing

3. Watery or red eyes

4. Light sensitivity

5. Learning difficulties in school

10 common eye conditions in children

1. Myopia (nearsightedness)

2. Hyperopia (farsightedness)

3. Astigmatism

4. Amblyopia (lazy eye)

5. Strabismus (crossed eyes)

6. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

7. Chalazion and stye

8. Blocked tear ducts

9. Pediatric cataracts

10. Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

At what age do eye problems start in children?

How screen time impacts children’s eyes

How often should your child see an eye doctor?

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Screen time’s effect on vision and myopia

Is your child ready for contact lenses?

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