What Are the Most Common Eye Conditions in Children?

Children rely heavily on their vision to explore the world and succeed in school, yet many eye conditions can go unnoticed without routine pediatric eye exams. At Manheim Family Eye Care, we believe that early detection is the key to protecting your child’s vision and ensuring they have the best possible start.

The Link Between Vision and Learning

Good vision is directly tied to a child’s success in school. Studies show that up to 80% of learning is visual, meaning children rely heavily on their eyesight to read, write, and process information. Even minor vision problems can make it harder for a child to focus, keep up with lessons, and feel confident in the classroom.

Because children may not know what “normal” vision looks like, they often adapt to poor eyesight without realizing something is wrong. Below are some of the most common eye conditions found in children and why regular eye exams are so important.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. These conditions can cause blurry vision at various distances:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing objects far away.

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing objects up close.

• Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

These issues are typically corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but if undetected, they can affect reading ability, classroom performance, and self-confidence.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia develops when one eye has significantly weaker vision than the other. The brain begins to rely on the stronger eye, which can lead to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye if not addressed early. Treatment may involve patching the stronger eye or using special glasses to encourage the weaker eye to work harder.

Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes)

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are not aligned properly and do not move together. This can cause double vision and, over time, lead to amblyopia. Early treatment, which may include glasses, vision therapy, or surgery, is crucial for preserving normal binocular vision.

Eye Allergies and Other Conditions

Allergies and eye infections are also common in children and can cause discomfort and vision disturbances. While many of these are temporary, they still require proper evaluation and treatment to prevent complications.

Why Regular Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential

A child’s first comprehensive eye exam is recommended at six months of age, with follow-up exams around age three and before starting school. From there, annual eye exams help monitor vision changes and detect any issues as they develop.

At Manheim Family Eye Care, our pediatric eye exams go beyond simple vision screenings at school or a pediatrician’s office. We check for eye health conditions, proper eye alignment, and visual skills that impact learning, such as tracking and focusing. Early detection means more effective treatments and a higher chance of preventing long-term vision problems.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Your child’s vision plays a crucial role in their development and education. Conditions like refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus are common but highly treatable - especially when detected early. Regular pediatric eye exams not only safeguard your child’s eyesight but also help set them up for academic and social success.

If your child is showing signs of an eye condition, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Manheim Family Eye Care to protect their vision and support their learning. Visit our office in Manheim, Pennsylvania, or call (717) 423-8400 to book an appointment today.