Common Vision
Problems in Children
A quarter of all school-age children have a vision problem that may affect their ability to learn. Uncorrected vision problems can also affect children’s social development and overall health.
Children don’t know what they can’t see
Vision problems are common among children, but young kids rarely complain about them. They think everyone sees the world the way they do.
It is critical to identify issues with eye health and vision development at a young age — through regular vision screenings — because most vision problems are easier to correct when treatment starts early.
Refractive errors
The most common vision problems in children are refractive errors. These happen when light does not focus properly on the back of the eye (the retina), causing blurred vision. There are three types:
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness) causes close-up objects to appear blurry while things in the distance appear clear and focused. It occurs when visual images come to focus behind the retina.
About 1-in-5 young children between 6 months and 6 years of age have hyperopia, and it is almost as common among older, school-age children.
Hyperopia can usually be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Untreated hyperopia can interfere with children’s ability to learn to read.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia (nearsightedness) causes objects in the distance to appear blurry while up-close vision is clear and focused. It occurs when visual images come to focus in front of the retina.
Myopia has become much more common in recent years, perhaps because children are spending more time looking at screens and less time outdoors. These habits may cause developing eyes to prioritize near vision over distance vision.
Childhood myopia is usually treated with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Untreated myopia can lead to more serious vision problems later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even complete loss of vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances, which occurs because of an irregularity in the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye.
Astigmatism affects about 1-in-4 children over 5 years of age and is even more common in children of color. Children with myopia or hyperopia are more likely to have astigmatism.
Most mild cases of astigmatism can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. As with all untreated vision problems, children with uncorrected astigmatism may struggle in school.
Less common, more serious
Other vision problems in children are less common than refractive errors, but may be more serious and require specialized treatment. Untreated, these childhood conditions can lead to permanent vision loss (blindness). That’s one reason why early vision screening is so important.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia affects about 4% of young children from 6 months to 6 years of age and is the most common cause of vision loss in children. Amblyopia is caused by a weak link in the optic nerve between the eye and brain, resulting in blurry vision. Over time, the child’s brain relies more on the stronger eye for vision, and the weaker eye gets worse. This results in decreased vision in an eye that otherwise appears normal.
Amblyopia is a serious medical issue that needs treatment from an eye doctor. It can be corrected, but early detection is critical, because treatment is most effective when started before age 7. Treatment may include glasses, patching, medication, or surgery.
Without early treatment, amblyopia can lead to blindness in the weaker eye and vision problems in the stronger eye later in life.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus is any misalignment of the eyes. Instead of working together when looking at an object, eyes are oriented in different directions (turning in, out, up or down) and give conflicting information to the child’s brain.
Strabismus affects up to 4% of babies and young children, usually appearing by the time a child is age 3. (Note that it is normal for newborns to occasionally have crossed or wandering eyes.)
Strabimus can be a cause of amblyopia and, without treatment, can lead to vision loss. The appearance of misaligned eyes may also negatively affect children’s emotional and social development.
Treatment may include glasses, patching, eye exercises, medication, or surgery.
How vision develops
A child’s vision develops from birth until about age 5. Over the next few years, young children develop their ability to see further away, judge distances, and improve eye-body and eye-hand coordination. Each child grows and develops differently, but these are typical milestones of healthy vision:
Birth
3-4 months
6 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
Look for the ABCs
It is important to identify problems with eye health and vision development at a young age, when they are easier to correct. These are some signs of potential vision problems in young children:
Appearance
- One or both eyes turn in or out, up or down
- Red eyes
- Eyes in constant, rapid motion
- Drooping eyelid
- Excessive tearing
Behaviors
- Squinting
- Covers/closes one eye
- Excessive blinking
- Lack of eye contact
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Rubbing eyes or blinking while looking at books
- Sitting close to computer screens or TV
Complaints
- Sensitivity to light
- Itchy eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Dizziness
If you suspect a problem
Request a vision
screening for your child.
This is important even if your child does not show signs of a vision problem. Children’s vision services are covered on many health insurance plans, and for children enrolled in AHCCCS, vision services are free.
Ask for a vision screening from your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider, at a well-child visit, or take your child to an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist).
Vision screening for babies and toddlers may also be offered in Head Start, childcare, or preschool programs, as well as some community health fairs and libraries.
Public and charter schools in Arizona are required to provide vision screenings in pre-K or kindergarten and again in third grade and seventh grade, but it’s important to have your child screened before they start school — as early as age 1, and at least once between 3- and 5-years old.
Take your child to an eye doctor for a complete eye exam.
If your child fails a vision screening, it’s important to take them to an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to be checked more thoroughly to determine if they have a vision problem.
Follow the recommended treatment plan.
If the eye exam shows your child has a vision problem, the eye doctor may prescribe eyeglasses or another treatment option.