THESE ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON EYE PROBLEMS FOUND IN CHILDREN

August 23, 2024

When it comes to our children's health, we often focus on physical ailments and illnesses, but what about their eye and vision health? The eyes are a crucial part of a child's development, and early detection of eye and vision problems is key to ensuring they have the best possible outcomes. In this newsletter article, we'll explore the three most common eye and vision problems in children, and how to spot them early on.

A little girl is getting her eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.
  1. Refractive Errors: Refractive errors are the most common eye and vision problems found in children. These errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, often resulting in blurry vision. Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism are all types of refractive errors that can affect children. Symptoms of refractive errors may include squinting, eye rubbing, headaches, or holding objects close to the face. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  2. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is another common eye and vision problem found in children. Amblyopia occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye. Treatment for amblyopia typically involves patching the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder and improve vision. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment of amblyopia.
  3. Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. This eye and vision problem can affect depth perception and cause double vision, eye strain, and difficulty focusing. Strabismus may be present at birth or develop later in childhood. Treatment for strabismus may include glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to realign the eyes. If you notice your child's eyes are not aligned or wandering, it's important to seek evaluation and treatment from an eye care professional.


Remember that children often may not recognize they have a problem with their eyesight, and may not be aware of any symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and managing eye and vision problems. Bring your kids in for annual visits. By being proactive about your child's eye health, you can help ensure they have clear vision and healthy eyes for years to come.

Man wearing blue sunglasses and hiking gear on a rocky Maui coastline with ocean waves
By Rosendo C July 30, 2026
Explore Maui Jim Sunglasses for Spring-Summer 2026, featuring vibrant style, exceptional clarity, and all-day comfort for brighter days ahead.
Close-up of a freckled person with blonde hair wearing dark glasses, looking calmly at the camera.
By Rosendo C July 30, 2026
Twenty-six rolls of film capture the anticipation of 2026, reflecting the instinct, intensity, and creative vision of an independent brand.
By Tom Wilk July 28, 2026
Learn why buying eye drops online can be risky, from contamination and counterfeit products to poor storage, plus when to seek urgent eye care.
Woman on a phone, looking worried in a living room, with a red eye.
By Tom Wilk July 8, 2026
Eye emergency? Get fast, same-day care at Mountain View Optometry. Learn symptoms, what to do, and how to protect your vision.
Blue abstract water background with a transparent glass pane and water droplets on the right
By Rosendo C July 8, 2026
ZEISS CleanGuard is a new lens coating technology designed to make glasses easier to clean and more resistant to fingerprints, dust, and water.
Woman in sunglasses using a white cane on a sunny city sidewalk
By Tom Wilk June 25, 2026
Discover how Meta AI Glasses help people with low vision read text, identify surroundings, and navigate daily life with greater independence.
Two women discussing a small bottle in a salon with shelves of hair products behind them
By Tom Wilk June 24, 2026
Learn about tattoo-associated uveitis, a rare eye inflammation linked to tattoo ink reactions, and the symptoms that should prompt an eye exam.
Man wearing black glasses beside MOSCOT eyeglasses on a table with tools in a workshop-style setting
By Rosendo C June 17, 2026
Discover MOSCOT's Spring 2026 Collection, featuring handcrafted eyewear, personalized customization options, and timeless New York craftsmanship.
Two people with glasses posing outdoors in warm sunlight, one in a white fuzzy jacket and one in a black jacket.
By Rosendo C June 10, 2026
Explore the Bevel Eyewear Spring Summer 2026 collection in Calgary. Discover bold, lightweight frames designed for comfort, style, and all-day confidence.
Car driving on wet city street at night, with text: “See comfortably when driving at night.”
By Tom Wilk May 29, 2026
People with complex prescriptions have been having tremendous success with a new contact lens from Acuvue®. In fact, someone even wrote a hilarious song about it that has been going viral.
Show More