Identifying Common and Uncommon Children's Eye Conditions

Common Eye Conditions in Children

A child’s vision develops quickly during the early years of life, and sometimes changes can occur before any symptoms are noticed. That’s why regular eye exams are so important—they allow eye care providers to catch and treat issues early, supporting healthy visual development and helping prevent more serious problems in the future. Below are several of the most frequently diagnosed eye conditions in children:

Refractive Errors

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Children with myopia have clear vision up close but struggle to see objects that are farther away. Signs can include sitting too close to the television, squinting to read the board at school, or difficulty spotting people or signs across the room. 

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This condition allows for clear distance vision but can make reading or other close-up tasks more difficult. Children may complain of headaches, rub their eyes often, or avoid activities like coloring or puzzles. 

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing vision to be blurry or distorted at all distances. Children might say that things look fuzzy, especially while reading, and may show signs of visual fatigue after schoolwork. 

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia happens when one eye becomes weaker because the brain starts to favor the stronger one. It can develop due to significant differences in prescription between the eyes, strabismus (eye misalignment), or droopy eyelids that block the line of sight. Children might cover one eye, turn their head to see better, or appear to ignore what’s on one side. Treatment often includes corrective lenses, patching the stronger eye, or engaging in vision therapy to strengthen the weaker eye. Early diagnosis—typically before age 8—offers the best outcomes.

Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes)

Strabismus refers to a condition where the eyes are not aligned properly and don’t work together. It may be present all the time or only under certain conditions, such as when the child is tired or focusing on nearby objects:

• Esotropia: One or both eyes turn inward toward the nose. 

• Exotropia: One or both eyes turn outward away from the nose. 

• Vertical Deviations: One eye drifts up or down compared to the other eye. 

If not addressed, strabismus can lead to amblyopia. Treatment options include glasses, prism lenses, vision therapy, or surgical correction to realign the muscles that control eye movement.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by infections or allergies. Viral pink eye often comes with watery discharge and resolves on its own, while bacterial conjunctivitis causes thicker discharge and may require antibiotics. Allergy-induced conjunctivitis typically causes itchy, watery eyes and may be seasonal. If your child has persistent redness, discharge, or irritation, a prompt visit to your eye doctor can ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Many infants are born with tear ducts that haven’t opened completely, leading to excess tearing and possible buildup around the eye. This condition often resolves on its own with gentle massage. If symptoms last beyond the first year or cause repeated infections, your child’s eye doctor may recommend a simple procedure to open the duct and improve drainage.

Less Common Children’s Eye Conditions

In addition to more common eye concerns, some children may develop less frequent—but still serious—vision issues that require early attention and specialized care. Recognizing the signs of these uncommon conditions can help you take swift action to protect your child’s sight.

Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

Ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops lower than normal and partially covers the eye. This condition can be present from birth (congenital ptosis) or arise due to nerve problems, weak eyelid muscles, or trauma. Children with ptosis may try to compensate by lifting their chin, arching their eyebrows, or tilting their head back to see better. In mild cases, monitoring may be sufficient. If the eyelid obstructs vision or interferes with development, surgery may be recommended to lift the lid and restore the visual field.

Retinoblastoma (Childhood Eye Cancer)

Retinoblastoma is a rare but aggressive eye cancer that originates in the retina and typically affects young children, often under age five. It can occur in one or both eyes and may be hereditary. An early sign is a white or silver reflection in the pupil, often noticeable in flash photographs. Other symptoms may include poor eye alignment or trouble focusing. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, which may involve chemotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, or, in severe cases, surgery to remove the eye and prevent the cancer from spreading. 

Childhood Cataracts 

Though cataracts are commonly associated with aging, some children are born with them or develop them due to genetic conditions, infections, or injury. Pediatric cataracts cloud the eye’s lens and may cause blurred vision, difficulty recognizing faces, or increased light sensitivity. Minor cataracts may not need immediate treatment, but more significant ones often require surgery to remove the lens, followed by glasses, contact lenses, or other forms of visual rehabilitation to support ongoing development. 

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

ROP is an eye condition that primarily affects premature infants, especially those with very low birth weights. It involves abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can cause scarring or even retinal detachment if left untreated. Infants in neonatal care units are routinely screened for this condition. If diagnosed, treatments such as laser surgery, freezing techniques (cryotherapy), or anti-VEGF injections can help prevent lasting vision loss and support healthy retinal development. 

Color Blindness 

Color vision deficiency, often called color blindness, makes it difficult for children to tell certain colors apart—typically red and green, or less commonly, blue and yellow. It is usually inherited and more frequently affects boys. Kids with this condition may struggle with color-coded instructions, class materials, or identifying objects by color. While there’s no cure, specialized glasses and assistive technology can improve color distinction, and using non-color cues like symbols or labels can help make educational tasks more manageable. 

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important for Kids

Clear vision plays a crucial role in a child’s development, helping them succeed in the classroom, connect with others, and explore the world with confidence. Since children’s vision can change quickly as they grow, scheduling regular eye exams is one of the best ways to identify issues early—before they impact learning or quality of life.

From reading and writing to sports and play, good visual skills are essential to everyday activities. Pediatric eye exams help detect conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), and refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism. These issues can be present even when there are no obvious symptoms, which is why early detection is key to effective treatment and long-term visual health. 

At Grene Vision Group, we design our pediatric eye exams with your child’s comfort and needs in mind. Our optometrists use fun, age-appropriate tools—like image-based charts, shapes, or games—to evaluate how well your child sees and determine whether corrective lenses or further care is needed. We also check how the eyes move and work together, assess depth perception, and ensure the eyes are properly aligned. When necessary, we may use special drops to gently dilate the pupils so we can get a clearer look at the retina and other internal structures.

Making children’s eye exams part of your family’s regular healthcare routine can lay the foundation for strong, healthy vision well into adulthood. And if your child shows signs like squinting, excessive eye rubbing, or difficulty seeing at school, don’t delay—book an appointment with Grene Vision Group to support their eye health every step of the way. 

Protect Your Child’s Vision with Grene Vision Group

Your child’s eyesight plays a key role in how they learn, grow, and experience the world—and early action is one of the best ways to protect their future vision. By staying informed about common and uncommon pediatric eye conditions and making regular eye exams a priority, you’re taking an important step toward lifelong visual health.

At Grene Vision Group, we’re proud to support families with compassionate, expert care at every stage of your child’s development. Our team offers comprehensive children’s eye exams, tailored treatment plans, and helpful advice to encourage healthy vision habits both at home and in the classroom. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s vision or behavior, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today and let us be part of your child’s journey to clear, confident sight.

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