Growing up, children are more vulnerable to eye problems. Hence it becomes vital for parents to make sure their children's vision is healthy as eye problems can affect their ability to perform everyday activities like playing, reading, writing, etc.

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is a vision problem in which the brain fails to process inputs from one eye and, over time, starts ignoring them. This hinders vision development of the weaker eye and results in long-term vision problems. Some common symptoms of lazy eye include poor depth perception, squinting, head tilting, eye wandering, etc. Amblyopia can be addressed using eye drops, eye patches, and glasses. In some cases, surgery might be required. 

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, also referred to as farsightedness, is a condition where children can see distant objects more clearly than those closer to them. Farsighted eyes are often smaller than average, which can be inherited. This condition can be treated by implanting light-changing inlays beneath the eye's cornea to sharpen the vision. Several eye training programs may also help improve vision over time.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which the child can see closer objects more clearly than things far away. However, myopia can cause problems when a child squints, holds objects close to their face to view it, or sits close to the computer or television screens. It can also lead to a lazy eye.

Myopia can be treated successfully with glasses for small children and refractive surgeries like LASIK in older teenagers and adults. Also, as with hyperopia, new technological advances like light-changing inlays and eye training programs can be beneficial.

• Epiphora

It is an eye condition in which the child constantly gets excess tearing or watery eyes. Epiphora happens when the tear ducts get blocked, infection, allergies, or ocular surface diseases. Generally, the condition improves after a few months; however, it can be treated with eye drops, massage, or minor surgery if it persists. 

• Pediatric Cataract

Adults and children can get cataracts, too; some kids will inherit it. In this condition, the eye seems cloudy, which results in blurred vision. A cataract is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness. Hence early detection and treatment are vital. The treatment will depend on the cataract severity, but most children need surgery in such cases.

• Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is when the eye gets red due to an allergy, infection, or inflammation. It can spread quickly, causing tears, eye itchiness, or sticky discharge. Conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops, anti-allergy medicine, or lubricating eye drops.

Regular eye checkups can help identify eye problems in children at an early stage. Visit our office, Summerlin Vision, at 900 S Pavilion Center Dr #140, Las Vegas, NV 89144. You can also reach us at (702) 243-8788.