Visionary Eye Centre
501 Bethel Dr #101 Sherwood Park AB T8H 0N2 (780) 467-6688
https://visionaryeyecentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/vec-logo-nav.png $$$

587-400-1334

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Visionary Eye Centre

- Synergy Wellness Centre

Common Eye Problems in Kids & Symptoms

Parents are their children’s best advocates for eyesight, and it’s imperative to monitor their visual centres starting at an early age. The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommends that a child’s first eye exam occur between 6 and 9 months old

There are many details to consider when determining if a child has healthy eyesight. At Visionary Eye Centre, we strive to provide every young patient with the clearest vision possible. Our children’s eye exams include tests for multiple indicators of a functional visual system. 

We look closely at: 

  • Eye teaming: Both eyes work together to track an object
  • Tracking: The eyes’ ability to lock on a target
  • Focusing: The eyes’ ability to stay focused during distance changes
  • Visual acuity: The ability to see clearly at close and far distances
  • Hand-eye coordination: The ability to combine motor function and visual skills

Signs of Vision Problems in Children

Here are a few indicators that your child may have a vision problem: 

  • Your child frequently rubs their eyes
  • Your child often squints 
  • Your child tilts their head when looking at objects
  • Your child holds reading material close to their face
  • Your child covers one eye to look at an object
  • Your child complains of headaches 
  • Your child complains of fatigue 
  • Your child often loses their place while reading

Regular eye exams are the best way to identify and address childhood vision problems, paving the way for healthier eyesight in the future. If your child has difficulties seeing clearly, contact an optometrist right away.

Common Vision Problems in Children

Myopia

Myopia has a more popular nickname: nearsightedness. This condition occurs when the eye’s shape becomes over-elongated, causing light to bend incorrectly, leading to images focusing at the front of the retina

Myopia results in distant objects appearing out of focus, blurry, or distorted in the visual field. 

Myopia is a prevalent visual problem in children, with experts predicting that nearly half the world’s population will show symptoms of this condition by 2050.

We recommend contacting an optometrist if your child shows any of the following symptoms

  • Frequent squinting
  • Appears unaware of objects in the distance
  • Needs to sit close to the front of a classroom, movie screen, theatre, or television
  • Blinks frequently 
  • Excessive eye rubbing

Hyperopia

Hyperopia is more commonly known as farsightedness, occurring when the eyeball is shorter than usual from front to back, creating a focal point behind the retina. This condition results in distant objects appearing clear, and closer objects appearing blurry. 

Common symptoms of hyperopia include: 

  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Difficulties focusing on near objects
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye strain
  • Headaches
  • Aching eyes
  • Burning eyes
  • Issues with reading or other close-up tasks

Amblyopia

More commonly known as lazy eye, amblyopia is a condition that generally develops in early childhood, requiring regular care and monitoring. Untreated cases of amblyopia may lead to permanent vision problems

Symptoms of amblyopia in your child may include: 

  • An eye that wanders outward or inward
  • Frequent squinting
  • Regularly closing one eye
  • Tilting their head when examining an object 
  • Eyes not working together

Strabismus

Strabismus is also known as crossed eyes, and it typically develops in the early years of a child’s life. 

This lifelong condition can be caused by poor muscle control, significantly affecting the alignment of a child’s eyes, possibly resulting in vision problems like depth perception issues or double vision

Symptoms of strabismus may include: 

  • Noticeable issues with depth perception
  • Eyes are not moving together
  • Excessive blinking
  • Excessive squinting 
A young girl smiling while behind a phoropter as she is visiting her optometrist for her regular eye exam

The Importance of Regular Eye Care for Kids

There are multiple developmental milestones to reach on the road to adulthood, and several of these milestones involve a child’s visual centres. At Visionary Eye Centre, we recommend that our youngest patients have regular eye exams at every developmental stage, especially: 

Between the ages of 8 and 20, the human eye generally experiences a significant change in shape. Undiagnosed vision issues in this age group can severely affect a student’s love of learning. Parents should ensure their school-aged children have annual eye exams to help encourage academic success. 

Your optometrist’s goal should be happy and healthy eyes. Contact your eye care team to discuss routine eye care, and get your child started on their path to healthier vision.

Healthy Vision Starts Here

At home, you are the best judge of your child’s vision. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your optometrist right away for an appointment.

The easiest way to get ahead of vision problems is through your child’s regular eye exams. Routine eye care can help confirm that your child’s eyes are developing as they should, and ensure that any vision problems are caught and managed in the earliest stages. 

Our children deserve to see as clearly as possible. The team at Visionary Eye Centre can help your child feel confident in their eyesight –nothing makes us happier than smiling, healthy, and happy eyes! 

Headshot of Dr. Sonia Delhon, optometrist at Visionary Eye Centre

Dr. Sonia Delhon

Born and raised in Edmonton, Dr. Sonia Delhon has co-owned Visionary Eye Centre since 2011, also acting as an in-house optometrist. Her education began at Concordia University, graduating with dual degrees, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She was then accepted to the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. Dr. Delhon completed her clinical rotation in a veteran’s hospital in Connecticut, a pediatric clinic in Vancouver and a term specialized in ocular disease in Boston. During her spare time, Dr. Delhon enjoys travelling to new places, reading a great book, and playing badminton competitively.

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