What Are the Most Common Eye Conditions in Children?

Clear vision plays a key role in a child’s learning and development. However, many childhood eye conditions can go undetected without a professional eye exam. At Heights Vision Specialists, we believe early detection and treatment can make all the difference in your child’s success both in and out of the classroom. 

Why Regular Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential 

Many vision problems have no obvious symptoms, and children may not realize they are struggling to see clearly. Pediatric eye exams help detect these issues early, often before they begin to affect learning, behavior, or development. At Heights Vision Specialists, we use age-appropriate techniques to ensure your child feels comfortable during their exam and receives the care they need to thrive. Here are some of the most common eye conditions we see in children and why regular pediatric eye exams are so important.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are among the most common vision issues in children. These include:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): Makes distant objects appear blurry.

• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Affects the ability to see up close.

• Astigmatism: Causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea.

Children with refractive errors may squint, sit too close to screens, or have difficulty reading. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct these issues, but they must be diagnosed early.

Amblyopia

Often called "lazy eye," amblyopia occurs when one eye has significantly better vision than the other. The brain begins to favor the stronger eye, which can lead to long-term vision impairment if left untreated. Early detection through routine exams can lead to successful treatment with patches, drops, or corrective lenses.

Strabismus

Strabismus is the medical term for misaligned eyes. One eye may turn in, out, up, or down while the other remains straight. This condition can affect depth perception and coordination and may also lead to amblyopia if not corrected. Treatment may include glasses, or in some cases, surgery.

Eye Allergies and Infections

Children are prone to eye irritation from allergies or contagious conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye). While these are typically temporary, they can impact comfort and school attendance if not properly managed.

Helping Families in Heights

Your child’s vision is vital to their overall growth and success. For families in Heights in Houston, Texas, staying on top of routine eye exams is one of the best ways to catch problems early and support your child’s health and happiness. If your child is due for an eye exam or showing signs of vision problems, we are here to help.

Schedule your child’s eye exam with Heights Vision Specialists and give them the clear vision they need to thrive. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (832) 360-2020 to book an appointment today.