As parents, we always want our children to be healthy and safe. We take them to the doctor for regular checkups, make sure they eat healthy foods, and encourage them to play outside. However, one area that’s often overlooked is eye health. Vision problems are among the most common health issues in kids, affecting one in four children. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented or treated with regular pediatric eye exams in Liberal.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common eye problems in children and why it’s important to schedule annual eye doctor check-ups.
1. Myopia
Myopia (or nearsightedness) is when faraway objects look blurry but things up close are clear. Myopia usually develops during childhood and worsens over time if not managed properly. To keep myopia from getting worse, make sure your child spends time outside and limit their screen time.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer Wave NightLens® topography-based orthokeratology lenses in Liberal to help slow the progression of nearsightedness. Orthokeratology (or ortho-k) lenses gently reshape your child’s cornea while they sleep, providing them with clear vision the following day without having to wear glasses or contact lenses. Research shows that ortho-k can slow myopia progression by approximately 50%, offering a significant myopia control effect. If your child has myopia, we’ll examine their eyes and develop a personalized myopia management plan for their specific needs.
2. Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is another vision problem where nearby objects appear blurry while distant objects are clear. Unlike myopia, it tends to get better with age. If it doesn’t, your child’s eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct this issue.
3. Ambylopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia is a common condition that affects approximately 2–4% of the U.S. population. It occurs when one eye has weaker vision than the other, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye and ignore the weaker one. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye. Fortunately, it can be corrected if detected early through regular pediatric eye exams.
4. Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Strabismus happens when both eyes don’t line up properly, causing one or both eyes to turn inward or outward. It affects an estimated 4% of the U.S. population and can lead to amblyopia if left untreated. Treatment options include eyeglasses, patching therapy, or even surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
5. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Conjunctivitis causes inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, the thin layer that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid. It’s highly contagious and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, and light sensitivity. To help prevent it, make sure your child washes their hands frequently and avoids touching their eyes. Also, keep them away from anyone with pink eye. If your child does get pink eye, get medical help right away.
Don’t let eye problems affect your child’s learning & development
Regular pediatric eye exams are crucial for detecting and treating common eye problems in children early on. At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we provide pediatric eye care for children of all ages. We also offer vision therapy to correct various eye problems that negatively impact learning, reading, sports, and even social interactions. If they need glasses, we have a range of styles and colors so they can find the best pair to fit their personality. Book your child’s next appointment with us today!
