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Common Pediatric Eye Conditions

Children can experience various eye conditions that may impact their vision and overall eye health. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term visual impairment. Regular eye exams can help identify these issues promptly and ensure appropriate interventions. Here are some of the most common pediatric eye conditions:

  • Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): This condition occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye. Treatment options include corrective eyewear, eye patches, or vision therapy to strengthen the weaker eye and encourage proper visual development.
  • Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Strabismus is when the eyes do not align properly. It can lead to double vision and, if untreated, may result in amblyopia. 
  • Refractive Errors: These include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These conditions occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina.
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): An infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva; conjunctivitis can cause redness, itching, and discharge. It’s often contagious and can spread quickly among children. Fortunately, it’s easily treated with options that include antibiotic eye drops or ointments, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. 
  • Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid): Ptosis can interfere with vision if the eyelid droops significantly. It may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

At Asheville Vision and Wellness, our pediatric eye care services focus on identifying and treating common eye conditions. Through yearly eye exams and early interventions, we can address various conditions to ensure your child's vision and eye health are at their best. Our skilled team offers comprehensive care and support for your child's visual needs, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Signs Your Child May Need Glasses

It’s important to observe your child for signs that they might need glasses, as undetected vision problems can impact your child's performance in and out of the classroom. Early detection can prevent further complications and help your child see clearly. Here are some indicators to watch for:

  1. Squinting: Squinting can help temporarily improve focus but may indicate underlying vision problems.
  2. Sitting Too Close to Screens: If your child sits very close to the TV or holds digital devices close to their face, they may have difficulty seeing clearly from a distance.
  3. Frequent Headaches: Unexplained headaches, especially after reading or screen time, can be a sign of eye strain or vision issues.
  4. Eye Rubbing: Constantly rubbing eyes can indicate eye fatigue or discomfort, often related to vision problems.
  5. Poor Performance in School: Struggling to read the board or frequently losing their place while reading can be signs of vision difficulties.
  6. Tilting the Head: Tilting the head while looking at things can indicate a need to adjust the angle of view due to vision problems.

The Impact Of Digital Devices On Your Child’s Eyes

Prolonged screen time can lead to discomfort, headaches, and blurred vision, commonly known as eye strain. Children tend to blink less when staring at screens, which can cause dry and irritated eyes. Another significant concern is the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), which can be exacerbated by excessive near work on screens. 

To help reduce eye strain, implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Additionally, it's important to ensure proper lighting by keeping the brightness of your child's screens low and having adequate ambient lighting to reduce glare while using their devices. Maintain a proper distance by encouraging your child to keep digital devices at least an arm's length away. 

Limit screen time by setting daily limits and encouraging breaks to rest the eyes. Finally, consider using anti-reflective lenses, as glasses with anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and eye strain.

Asheville Vision And Wellness Annual Eye Exam For Kids

At Asheville Vision and Wellness, our staff provides exceptional patient care for both children and adults. Our thorough eye exams are designed to detect health and vision issues early, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care. If you’re in Asheville, NC, and require a trusted optometrist for your child, reach out to Asheville Vision and Wellness. 

We are committed to ensuring your child’s vision is clear and healthy, supporting their growth and development. Schedule an appointment today to give your child the gift of clear vision and optimal eye health.