16 Common Eye Problems in Children

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurry vision due to light not hitting the retina correctly. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at both near and far distances.
• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Conjunctivitis, colloquially known as pink eye due to the eye's colour, is an eye condition that is caused by either inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva.
• Pediatric Cataract: Pediatric cataracts, also known as childhood cataracts, is an eye condition where cataracts form in a child's eye which are either present at birth, known as congenital cataracts, or acquired through other causes.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid that can occur both in children and adults. Blepharitis is caused by bacteria or problems with the oil glands in the eyes.
• Nystagmus: Nystagmus is an eye condition that causes rapid and involuntary eye movement that can be vertical or horizontal.
• Lazy eye (amblyopia): Lazy eye, known scientifically as amblyopia, is an eye problem in children that occurs when one eye has worse vision than the other, caused by developmental issues.
• Corneal abrasion (scratched cornea): A corneal abrasion refers to injuries or scratches to the surface of the cornea that may be caused by debris or other foreign bodies in the eye.
• Double vision: Double vision, known scientifically as diplopia, is an eye issue that causes a person to see two different or overlapping images when looking at the same object.
• Droopy eyelid (ptosis): A droopy eyelid, scientifically known as ptosis, is a drooping of the upper eyelid and can be present at birth.
• Crossed eyes (strabismus): Crossed eyes, known scientifically as strabismus, is a common eye problem in children that occurs when one eye turns in a different direction than the eye, caused by poor eye muscle control.
• Blocked tear duct: A blocked tear duct in children, known as a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is common in infants and causes tearing and a sticky discharge.
• Hordeolum (stye): A hordeolum or stye, is a common eye problem in children characterised by an inflamed oil gland on the edge of the eyelid that appears as a sore, red bump.
• Nearsightedness (myopia): Nearsightedness, known scientifically as myopia, is a refractive error that is common in both children and adults that causes blurry distance vision.
• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that can occur in babies who are born prematurely or weigh less than 3 pounds at birth.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Farsightedness, known scientifically as hyperopia, is a refractive error that can occur in children and adults and causes blurry near vision.
• Cortical visual impairment: Cortical visual impairment, also known as cerebral visual impairment, is a condition in which the parts of the brain that process vision are damaged.

1. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurry vision up close and far away due to light not hitting the retina correctly caused by an abnormally shaped cornea. Astigmatism typically runs in the family and a child is more likely to have this refractive error if they also have hyperopia and myopia. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, infants commonly experience astigmatism but it often clears up on its own when the child reaches a year old. Astigmatism can be diagnosed through a children’s eye test where their vision will be assessed for issues such as refractive errors. Besides blurry vision, astigmatism also causes headaches, eye fatigue and seeing glares or halos around lights at night. The main treatment for astigmatism in children is prescription glasses to give them clear and comfortable vision. While contact lenses are helpful for adults with astigmatism, they are typically not recommended for young children.

2. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, colloquially known as pink eye due to the colour of the eye, is an eye condition that is either caused by inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva which is the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and inner eyelid. According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, conjunctivitis is common in children under five and can be contagious, meaning a child should be kept at home if they have this eye infection. There are three main types of conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis which is caused by an infection from bacteria, viral conjunctivitis, caused by a virus and is very contagious and allergic conjunctivitis which is caused by an allergic reaction to an irritant such as pollen or dust. Some of the symptoms caused by conjunctivitis include a red inner eyelid or on the white of the eye, scratchy eyes, eye discharge, tearing and distorted vision. This eye condition can be diagnosed through an eye test with an optometrist and may be treated using eye drops, antihistamines or by applying a warm or cold compress to the eyes.

3. Pediatric Cataract

Pediatric cataracts, also known as childhood cataracts, are an eye condition where cataracts form in a child's eye and are either present at birth, known as congenital cataracts, or acquired through other causes. Genetic factors, rheumatoid arthritis, an eye injury and pregnancy-related infections can cause cataracts in children. Pediatric cataracts may cause symptoms such as the eye lens becoming cloudy or white, a sensitivity to light, needing to bring things closer to see and nystagmus which is uncontrollable rhythmic eye movements. Childhood cataracts can be diagnosed by an optometrist in an eye test and may also be diagnosed during the newborn exam according to the Kids Health Organisation. The treatment for cataracts in children is similar to how they are treated in adults which includes corrective devices in the form of glasses or contact lenses and surgery.

4. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid that can occur both in children and adults. Blepharitis is caused by bacteria or problems with the oil glands in the eyes and is either categorised as anterior blepharitis or posterior blepharitis. The different causes of blepharitis include ocular rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, eye allergies, dry eyes, blocked oil glands, lice in eyelashes and eye infections. Blepharitis may cause symptoms such as red eyes, blurred vision, swollen eyelids, itchy eyes and crusty eyelashes. Diagnosis for this eye condition will be found in an eye test and can be treated with antibiotics, eye drops and cleaning the eyes daily.

5. Nystagmus

Nystagmus is an eye condition that causes rapid and involuntary eye movement that can be vertical or horizontal. Nystagmus in children is most commonly congenital, meaning a child is born with the condition and typically presents symptoms between six weeks and three months. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, nystagmus is associated with many medical and ocular conditions including cataracts, amblyopia, strabismus, optic nerve hypoplasia, fetal alcohol syndrome, severe refractive error and vitamin deficiency. The symptoms of nystagmus include excessive eye movement, sensitivity to light, balance issues, dizziness, issues with seeing at night and hazy and unstable eyesight. This eye condition can be diagnosed through an eye test performed by an eye care professional. Treatments for nystagmus include prescription glasses, certain medications and muscle relaxants to reduce symptoms.

6. Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

Amblyopia, known colloquially as lazy eye, is an eye problem in children that occurs when one eye has worse vision than the other caused by developmental issues. Because one eye is weaker than the other, the brain will favour the unaffected eye and typically appears as a crossed or turned eye. According to the National Eye Institute, lazy eye is an eye condition that affects 3 in 100 children making it a very common eye problem in children. Amblyopia often occurs in children as their brain and eyes are forming vital connections, according to Nemours KidsHealth and anything that interferes with this connection can cause a lazy eye. Things that may interfere with this connection include strabismus (crossed eyes), where the eyes are misaligned, a structural problem in the eye such as a cataract or droopy eyelid or a refractive error. A lazy eye can be diagnosed by an optometrist in an eye test and can be treated with patching, corrective glasses, eye drops or eye training.

7. Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Cornea)

A corneal abrasion, also known as a scratched cornea, refers to injuries or scratches to the surface of the cornea that may be caused by debris or other foreign bodies in the eye. According to Nemours KidsHealth, corneal abrasions are common in kids, teens and adults and are typically not very serious. A cornea may be scratched by dirt, a fingernail, a toy or contact lenses. The symptoms of a corneal abrasion include pain, tearing in the affected eye, sensitivity to light, excess blinking and trying to hold the affected eye shut in young children. A corneal abrasion can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the eye performed by an eye care professional, typically an optometrist. Treatment for corneal abrasions will depend on the severity of the scratch and may require flushing out the eye. For minor scratches, the cornea typically heals on its own within 24-48 hours.

8. Double Vision

Double vision, known scientifically as diplopia, is an eye issue that causes a person to see two different or overlapping images when looking at the same object and can occur both in children and adults. Double vision can be categorised as binocular and monocular, the former occurs when both eyes are open and the latter occurs even when one eye is shut. According to ABC Children’s Eye Specialists, the most common cause of double vision in children is strabismus (crossed eyes). The symptoms of double vision may include headaches, nausea, hazy vision and pain when you move the eyes. Double vision (diplopia) can be diagnosed by an eye care professional who will also work to diagnose the underlying cause of this vision problem. Treatments for double vision may include vision therapy, prism glasses and medication.

9. Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

A droopy eyelid, scientifically known as ptosis, is a drooping of the upper eyelid and can be present at birth, according to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Ptosis can limit a person’s normal vision and sometimes completely block vision. The cause of droopy eyelids in children is caused by problems with the levator muscle which is the muscle that lifts the eyelid, according to Lions Eye Institute. Uncorrected ptosis in children can lead to amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. Symptoms of ptosis other than a droopy eyelid include tilting the head back to see, the affected eye looking smaller and raising the eyebrows to lift the eyelid. A droopy eyelid can be diagnosed in an eye test performed by an eye care professional and treated in children typically through surgery.

10. Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)

Crossed eyes, known scientifically as strabismus, is a common eye problem in children that occurs when one eye turns in a different direction than the other eye, caused by poor eye muscle control. There are four categories of crossed eyes, esotropia, which is an inward-turning eye, exotropia, which is an outward-turning eye, hypertropia, which is an upward-turning eye and hypotropia, which is a downward-turning eye. The symptoms of crossed eyes include double vision, misaligned looking eyes, improper depth perception and turning the head to view objects. Strabismus can be diagnosed by an eye care professional who will test refraction, visual acuity, alignment and eye health. Treatments for crossed eyes include prescription glasses, patching, vision therapy and prism lenses.

11. Blocked Tear Duct

A blocked tear duct in children, known as a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is common in infants and causes tearing and a sticky greeny/yellow discharge, according to the Government of Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service. The symptoms of a blocked tear duct in infants include red around the eyes, typically caused by rubbing, tears draining down the cheek instead of in the corner of the eye and tears pooling near the corner of the eye but not draining. Diagnosis for a blocked tear duct includes an eye examination by a healthcare professional. Perth Children’s Hospital reports that 90% of nasolacrimal duct obstructions will resolve themselves by 12 months of age. If it does not resolve itself, surgery can be performed to open the blockage.

12. Hordeolum (Stye)

A hordeolum or stye, is a common eye problem in children characterised by an inflamed oil gland on the edge of the eyelid that appears as a sore, red bump often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. According to Stanford Medicine, a child may have an increased risk of developing a stye if they have a history of styes, have diabetes or have the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. Symptoms of a stye include eyelid swelling that is similar to a pimple or boil, soreness, red at the edge of the eyelid and pain over the affected area. A hordeolum is typically diagnosed by an eye care professional by simply looking at the affected eye. Treatments for a stye include antibiotics and surgery if the stye does not heal.

13. Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Nearsightedness, known scientifically as myopia, is a refractive error that is common in both children and adults that causes blurry distance vision. Nearsightedness occurs when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of on it due to the eye being misshapen. According to Nemours KidsHealth, myopia occurs more often in school-age children, especially in preteens and teenagers. A child is also more at risk of developing nearsightedness if their parents have this refractive error. The symptoms of nearsightedness besides blurry distance vision include squinting, eye strain, eye fatigue and headaches. Nearsightedness can be diagnosed through an eye test performed by an optometrist. They will look at a child’s visual acuity and focusing ability. Treatments for nearsightedness in children include prescription glasses or less commonly contact lenses.

14. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that can occur in babies who are born prematurely or weigh less than 3 pounds at birth, according to the National Eye Institute. ROP causes blood vessels to grow abnormally in the eye which may bleed or leak, causing scarring on the retina. There are no symptoms in the early stages of ROP but at a later stage, a baby's eyes may wander or shake, pupils may look white and their eyes may not follow objects. Retinopathy of prematurity is diagnosed through a dilated eye examination and treatment includes observation for mild cases, eye injections, surgery and laser treatment.

15. Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, known scientifically as hyperopia, is a refractive error that can occur in children and adults. Farsightedness causes a child’s near vision to be blurry due to light that enters the eye focusing behind the retina instead of on it as normal. The causes of hyperopia are related to the eye’s structure and include a flat cornea and the eyeball being too short from the retina to the cornea. Besides blurry near vision, the other symptoms of farsightedness include eye strain, squinting and headaches. Hyperopia can be diagnosed through vision testing performed by an optometrist. Treatment for farsightedness will involve wearing prescription glasses that correct the child’s near vision, however, if a child has mild farsightedness, they may not need treatment as their eyes can make up for the vision issue.

16. Cortical Visual Impairment

Cortical visual impairment, also known as cerebral visual impairment, is a condition in which the parts of the brain that process vision are damaged, according to the National Eye Institute. Causes of cortical visual impairment include a head injury, lack of blood supply or oxygen to the brain, hydrocephalus and certain genetic conditions. According to the National Eye Institute, children with cortical visual impairment may have trouble with recognising faces and objects, responding to things they see, understanding what they’re looking at and reaching for things while looking at them. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, cortical visual impairment is diagnosed when children demonstrate abnormal visual responses that are not caused by the eyes themselves. Boston Children’s Hospital reports that cortical visual impairment is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment in children. Children with cortical visual impairment need early intervention and therapy as well as educational support.

At What Age Do the Children Start to Experience Eye Conditions?

Children can start experiencing eye conditions at any age with many occurring at birth, known as congenital conditions. Some congenital eye conditions include cataracts and retinopathy of prematurity. Other eye conditions may be developed when a child is still young such as refractive errors, amblyopia and strabismus. Therefore, there is no definitive age when children start to experience eye problems or conditions.

What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Eye Problems in Children?

There are multiple signs and symptoms parents should look out for in their children as they may indicate there is an eye problem with their child’s eyesight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, warning signs that should not be ignored in your child include blinking or rubbing, spots on the white of the eye, discomfort or itchiness, seeing spots in vision and misaligned eyes. These warning signs and symptoms of eye problems in children are listed below.

• Blinking or rubbing: If your child is frequently blinking or rubbing their eyes it could be a sign of allergies, refractive errors or there may be a foreign body caught in their eye. If this occurs in your child, they should be examined by an optometrist.
• Spots on the white of the eye: Different coloured spots on the white of your child's eye can indicate certain issues. A red spot may be caused by a broken blood vessel which is typically harmless, a gray spot may indicate a benign condition but should be examined and a brown spot could be an eye freckle that should be monitored.
• Discomfort or itchiness: A feeling of discomfort and itchiness in the eyes may be a sign of eye allergies or if accompanied by discharge may indicate conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye which should be treated by an eye care professional.
• Seeing spots in vision: If your child is seeing new and frequent spots in their vision, it could be a sign of eye inflammation or a retinal tear which is a very serious eye condition and should be treated immediately.
• Misaligned eyes: Misaligned eyes are common in children and are commonly a sign of strabismus which occurs when the eye turns outward, inward, upward or downward. It is important to treat strabismus as it may lead to amblyopia which causes weaker vision in one eye.

How can Children Take Care of their Eyes?

Due to the age and development of children, it is typically the parent who will be responsible for making sure their children take care of their eyes. This can include wearing sunglasses, eating a well-balanced diet and booking regular eye tests. Sunglasses are extremely important as children are more vulnerable to UV rays emitted by the sun as their eyes are not fully developed, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means they are unable to filter out harmful light like adult eyes can. A well-balanced diet consisting of omega-3 fats, leafy greens, nuts and seeds can help maintain the health of your child’s eyes. Most importantly, children should have regular eye tests so that an optometrist can assess their vision and detect any eye diseases that may be present. Other ways they can take care of their eyes include limiting screen time and making sure the child wears their glasses if they are needed.