Childhood is a time of growth and development that can also include some problems that cause parents worry and loss of sleep. When it comes to eye problems in children, those worries include thinking about the cause; whether the issue is temporary or long lasting and how the child will be affected by the problem. Eye problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children.
Causes
Children's eye problems can be caused by injuries, infections, allergies, misalignment of the eyes or failure of the eye muscles to work properly. According to Keepkidshealthy.com, a virus or bacteria can cause conjunctivitis or pinkeye while allergies can also cause a form of conjunctivitis. If a foreign body enters the eye it can cause an injury to the eye. Other forms of trauma, like a break in the bones around the eye, burns or cuts, can cause eye problems. Weak or misaligned eye muscles can cause a lazy eye or crossed eyes.
Signs
Healthychildren.org states that children can show signs of eye problems at any age and these signs should be reported to a pediatrician as soon as possible. Signs include eyes that look crossed or don't focus at the same time, a yellow or grayish-white material in the pupil, eyes that flutter either side to side or up and down and ongoing pain, itching or discomfort. Redness in the eyes that doesn't disappear after a few days, pus or crust in the eyes, or excessively watering eyes are also signs of problems. If the eyelids begin to droop, the eyes become sensitive to light or squinting becomes necessary, have an eye exam given to the child.
Tests
Children undergo routine vision screenings at specified intervals as part of well-child visits. A pediatrician in the nursery at the hospital examines children after birth to determine the baseline eye health. By age 3 ½ eye health screenings and visual acuity tests to measure the sharpness of vision are performed. Vision and eye alignment are evaluated at age 5. If a child fails a test at this point she is referred to an eye doctor. Additional routine screenings after age 5 are done in schools and doctor's offices.
Treatment
Treatment for eye problems caused by infections can often be treated with antibiotics, either as a topical ointment or as eye drops. Viral infections often do not require treatment. Antihistamines or eye drops may be prescribed to treat allergies. Injuries due to cuts or abrasions also use antibiotic treatments. When the cause of the problem is a muscle malfunction, glasses are often prescribed to help strengthen the muscles.
Considerations
Problems with vision and the eyes can lead to problems with learning as the child develops. If there is a problem with the visual cues that come in from the eyes, the connection between the eyes and the brain is compromised and may not develop properly or become weak. Children can see at birth and the visual system continues to develop until about age 8, so early detection of any eye problem is imperative.
