Ensuring your child’s eye health is crucial for their overall development and success in school. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can prevent long-term vision problems and enhance your child’s quality of life. At SightMD, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of pediatric eye conditions. Here are some common eye issues in children and the available treatments.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

What is Amblyopia? Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, occurs when one eye develops poor vision due to lack of use. It usually begins in early childhood and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Symptoms:

• Poor depth perception
• Squinting or closing one eye
• Tilting the head to see better
• Frequent eye rubbing

Treatment:

• Eyeglasses: Corrective lenses can help improve vision in the weaker eye.
• Patching: Covering the stronger eye with a patch forces the weaker eye to work harder, improving its function.
• Atropine Drops: These drops blur the vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the use of the weaker eye.

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

What is Strabismus? Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.

Symptoms:

• Misaligned eyes
• Double vision
• Head tilting
• Poor depth perception

Treatment:

• Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can help straighten the eyes.
• Prism Lenses: These special lenses adjust the light entering the eyes, helping to reduce the eye turn.
• Eye Muscle Surgery: This procedure tightens or loosens the eye muscles to align the eyes correctly.
• Vision Therapy: Exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination and alignment.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

What is Myopia? Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. It often develops in school-aged children and can worsen as they grow.

Symptoms:

• Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing the blackboard in school

Treatment:

• Eyeglasses: The most common treatment, providing clear vision for distance.
• Contact Lenses: Suitable for older children, offering an alternative to glasses.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
• Atropine Drops: Low-dose atropine drops can slow the progression of myopia.

Schedule your back to school eye exam today!

Early detection and treatment of eye conditions in children are essential for their visual development and academic success. Regular eye exams can identify issues before they become severe, ensuring your child has the best possible vision.

As the new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to schedule an eye exam for your child at SightMD. Our experienced pediatric eye care specialists will provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to support your child’s vision and overall well-being. Contact us today to book your appointment and ensure your child’s eyes are ready for a successful school year.