As a parent, you do everything possible to keep your children healthy and content. You prioritize their health in every way, from routine doctor visits to a healthy diet. Something that shouldn’t be overlooked is regular comprehensive eye care. It is Children's Vision Month, so let’s discuss the most common eye conditions that can affect your children.
 

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are prevalent eye issues in children. They occur when the eye fails to bend light properly to focus on the retina, resulting in blurry vision. This can cause difficulties in reading, writing, and other activities. 

Astigmatism occurs when your lens or cornea has an irregular shape. This causes blurry vision at all distances. On the other hand, myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up objects may still be clear. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, causes close-up objects to appear blurry while distant objects are clear.

Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and managing these refractive errors in children. These eye issues may not always cause noticeable symptoms, so a child may not be aware of their visual impairment. Refractive errors that go unidentified and untreated can negatively affect kids. These can impact their academic achievement, social interactions, and general quality of life.
 

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, occurs due to abnormal visual development in one or both eyes. The brain tends to ignore images from the affected eye, leading to a deterioration of vision in that eye. 
 

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

Strabismus causes one or both eyes to turn sporadically inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. It can affect a child's ability to focus and track objects. This can lead to double vision and other visual discomforts.
 

Ptosis (Congenital Droopy Eyelid)

Ptosis is when the upper eyelid droops due to weak eyelid muscles or damaged nerves. Congenital ptosis is present at birth and may affect one or both eyes. Ptosis can obstruct the child's field of vision and affect their ability to see properly. 
 

Eye Injuries

Kids are at increased risk of eye injuries due to their active and adventurous nature. The injuries can result from various situations, such as:

• Sports-related mishaps

• Home or school incidents

• Exposure to toxic chemicals

Eye injuries can range from minor scrapes or irritations to more severe wounds. Getting immediate medical help is crucial if your kids sustain an eye injury. Delayed or inadequate treatment can result in permanent vision loss or other complications.
 

Digital Eyestrain

Children who use digital gadgets more frequently risk acquiring computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain. Extended screen time can cause eye fatigue, dryness, blurry vision, and discomfort in children. Also, utilizing digital gadgets with bad posture can result in musculoskeletal problems like shoulder and neck pain.

Establishing healthy screen habits in children is essential to prevent digital eyestrain. Encourage regular breaks from screen time and maintaining proper posture while using digital devices. They should also take frequent breaks to engage in outdoor or eye-friendly activities.
 

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are especially important for children, as their eyes are still developing and changing. The refractive errors may progress or change over time, requiring adjustments to the eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Regular eye exams allow for timely management of these changes, ensuring the child's visual needs are met and their eyesight is protected.
 

Conclusion

Children are vulnerable to various eye issues affecting their vision and overall wellness. Routine eye exams are essential for the early detection and management of common eye disorders. Timely intervention can help prevent vision loss and other complications. This can ensure children have healthy eyesight for their overall development.

For more information on pediatric eye health, contact Savaglio Family Vision at our Kenosha, Wisconsin office. Call (262) 657-7850 to schedule an appointment today.