Eye problems in toddlers can sometimes go undetected, particularly since their functional visual acuity is not tested through reading or schoolwork. In addition, your toddler's limited communication skills might prevent her from telling you something is wrong. However, many of the common eye problems in toddlers present as physical symptoms that are often visible to parents. By paying close attention to the appearance of your child's eyes and other potential symptoms, you can catch your toddler's eye problem before it progresses.
Strabismus
Strabismus is an eye problem common in young children and is characterized by failure of the eyes to align and move in unison, reports Prevent Blindness America. It's caused by muscle weakness in the eyes and is common in infants, whose eyes are not yet fully developed. By four months of age, your child's eyes should be aligned. Because it's important to catch strabismus as early as possible, call your pediatrician if you continue to see crossed or "wall eyes" in your child after four months of age, advises Prevent Blindness America.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is a condition that may occur if your child's strabismus continues to progress untreated, reports WhatToExpect.com. In cases of ambylopia, the child's brain adapts to the severe strabismus by electing to ignore images seen by the weaker eye. Because the child's brain is relying almost entirely on the stronger eye for vision, the weaker eye becomes less effective visually. This results in what is known as a "lazy eye."
Acuity Problems
Visual acuity problems are usually associated with school-aged children, but they frequently occur in toddlers as well, reports WhatToExpect.com. Among these visual problems are myopia, or nearsightedness, hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, and astigmatism, a problem that causes overall visual blurriness. Although signs like bumping into things, squinting and nausea may point to visual acuity problems, you'll get the best information by taking your child to an eye doctor for an exam.
Conjunctivitis
Known commonly as "pink eye," conjunctivis usually occurs in infants and toddlers as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, reports Parenthood.com. As the name indicates, this condition is characterized by redness of the whites of the eyes, along with tearing and discharge. If your child has signs of conjunctivitis, a visit to the doctor is in order. You will also want to encourage frequent hand-washing to prevent contagion to other family members.
