Does your child have an eye condition?

By Dr. Giovanna Olivares, OD, FAAO; Johnson & Johnson Vision Director & Staff Writer

As a parent, it's part of your job description 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. In fact, 80% of what children learn comes from visuals. Which is a challenge, because it’s estimated that 1 in 4 children in the U.S. have a vision issue that requires treatment.

Common eye problems in children and when to seek help

At home, it can be difficult to recognize eye problems in children since they may not always express their concerns and the screenings at school can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. 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 doctor as soon as you can.

Squinting

If your child is squinting or complaining of blurry vision, they may have nearsightedness or farsightedness. An eye exam can determine if your child needs glasses.

Watery or red eyes

Children who persistently show watery or red eyes may be a sign of allergies, infection, or inflammation. It's important to see an eye care professional if this occurs.

Light sensitivity

Sensitivity to light may be a sign of an underlying eye condition, such as iritis, or uveitis. This condition can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Seek help immediately.

Poor school performance

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

How often should your child see an eye doctor?

Even if your child isn't showing signs of vision problems now, it's a good idea to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams as their eyes grow and develop. This can help you catch and manage things like childhood myopia, or any eye health issues that can develop as the eyes grow. Here's the AOA recommended schedule:

Between 6 and 12 months of age - Their first comprehensive baseline eye exam
Between 3 and 5 years of age - At least one comprehensive eye exam
Before first grade until adulthood - An annual comprehensive eye exam

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About the author

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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