More than one in four school-aged children has an ocular disorder. If left untreated, an eye problem can interfere with healthy development and academic performance; in extreme cases, it can even lead to permanent vision loss. It's up to every parent to know and recognize common issues and their symptoms, so here are a few to keep in mind.

What Eye Disorders Are Common in Children?

1. Refractive Errors

Three types of refractive errors can affect children, one of which is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. This condition refers to the inability to see anything that's far away. In contrast, hyperopia, or farsightedness, makes it difficult to see nearby objects. Lastly, an imperfection in the curve of the cornea or lens, known as astigmatism, results in blurry vision. 

Refractive errors can all be treated by an eye doctor, typically with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Common signs that your child is experiencing these conditions include frequently squinting or tilting their heads when trying to make out near or distant objects.

2. Lazy Eye

Also known as amblyopia, lazy eye is an abnormality in development that usually occurs early in childhood. It results from a lack of stimulation in the nerve pathways between the brain and the affected eye. Due to this issue, the brain favors the stronger ocular organ, weakening the other in the process.

If dealing with this condition, your child can experience blurred or double vision. You also may notice one of their eyes moving in a different direction than the other. Eyepatches, glasses, contacts, or, in some cases, surgery can help correct this disorder. 

3. Nystagmus

Congenital nystagmus sets in between six weeks and six months of age; acquired nystagmus occurs in children over six months old. This condition involves rapid, involuntary, back-and-forth eye movements. It can be a sign of a serious health problem, like brain abnormalities, cancer, or severe refractive errors, so your little one will need an MRI to determine why it developed. The symptoms could reverse after addressing the cause.

Prompt treatment will help preserve your child's vision. If you suspect your little one is experiencing any of the above problems, visit Northern Lights Eye Care for help. For over 15 years, their doctors have provided comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages throughout Anchorage, AK, from routine checkups and eyeglass fittings to surgery and glaucoma treatment. Call (907) 276-3937 to schedule an eye exam, and visit them online to browse their services.