Common Vision Problems in Children: What Eye Exams Can Reveal

As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy, happy, and thriving. However, many kids struggle with vision problems that can go unnoticed, as they may not be able to express or even recognize their difficulties. Vision problems can impact a child’s ability to learn, play, and participate in daily activities, which is why regular eye exams are so crucial. At Market Mall Optometry in Calgary, we emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention of vision problems through comprehensive pediatric eye exams. 

In this blog, we will explore the most common vision issues in children and explain how eye exams can reveal these problems, ensuring your child’s vision stays on track for healthy development. 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children 

Children are often unaware of their vision problems, especially if they have been struggling with them for some time. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular eye exams to monitor their vision. Eye exams can detect common conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism early, often before the child is even aware of any issues. 

Regular eye exams are crucial not only to correct these problems early but also to ensure that vision issues do not interfere with your child’s academic and physical development. At Market Mall Optometry in Calgary, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye care to ensure your child has the clear vision they need for a bright future. 

Common Vision Problems in Children 

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia) 

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is one of the most common vision problems in children. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Children with myopia may have trouble seeing the board at school or reading signs from a distance. Symptoms of nearsightedness can include squinting, frequent eye rubbing, and complaints of blurred vision at long distances. 

A pediatric eye exam can detect myopia early and correct it with glasses or contact lenses. Early detection is important because untreated myopia can worsen over time. 

2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia) 

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is the opposite of myopia. It happens when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing close-up objects to appear blurry. Children with hyperopia may have difficulty focusing on objects up close, such as reading or working on a tablet or computer. In some cases, farsightedness may cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. 

Regular eye exams at Market Mall Optometry can detect hyperopia and provide corrective lenses to ensure your child’s vision is clear for both near and far tasks. 

3. Astigmatism 

Astigmatism is a common condition where the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, causing blurry or distorted vision. It can occur alongside nearsightedness or farsightedness. Children with astigmatism may experience difficulty seeing clearly, both at a distance and up close. Symptoms can include squinting, frequent headaches, or difficulty reading or focusing. 

Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or in some cases, refractive surgery. Detecting astigmatism early through a comprehensive eye exam helps ensure your child receives the proper treatment. 

4. Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) 

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, occurs when the eyes are not aligned properly and may turn inward, outward, or upwards. This misalignment can cause double vision and depth perception issues. Strabismus is often present from birth and can be detected during a pediatric eye exam. 

Early detection is essential because untreated strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), which can impact vision development. Treatment options for strabismus include corrective lenses, eye exercises, or surgery in some cases. 

5. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) 

Amblyopia is a condition where one eye does not develop normal vision, even with glasses or contact lenses. It often results from strabismus, but can also be caused by other conditions like significant refractive errors or cataracts. If untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. 

Routine eye exams help detect amblyopia early, and treatment is most effective when started at a young age. Early intervention can prevent long-term vision problems. 

How Regular Eye Exams Help Your Child’s Vision 

Children’s vision develops rapidly, and many vision problems are preventable or treatable when detected early. At Market Mall Optometry, our eye exams are designed to identify common vision issues in children, even if your child isn’t showing any obvious symptoms. During a pediatric eye exam, we assess your child’s visual acuity, eye health, and how well their eyes work together. 

It’s important to note that Alberta Health Care covers free annual eye exams for children. This makes it easier to stay on top of your child’s eye health and address any concerns early on. 

Take Action and Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today! 

By scheduling regular eye exams for your child, you can ensure they have the clear vision they need for learning, playing, and growing. Many common vision problems in children can be corrected with early intervention, and regular eye exams play a key role in catching these issues before they become a barrier to success. 

If you’re in Calgary, contact Market Mall Optometry to schedule your child’s eye exam today. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized eye care for children of all ages. Protect your child’s vision and set them up for a bright future! 

FAQ’s 

Q: What age should my child have their first eye exam? 
A: It’s recommended that children have their first eye exam at 6 months, followed by another exam at age 3, and then every two years or as advised by the optometrist. 

Q: What happens during a pediatric eye exam? 
A: A pediatric eye exam includes assessing visual acuity, eye health, and how well the eyes work together. The optometrist will also test for common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

Q: Are eye exams covered by Alberta Health Care for children? 
A: Yes, Alberta Health Care covers free annual eye exams for children (0-18), ensuring that families have access to essential eye care services for their kids. Book your pediatric eye exam today at Market Mall Optometry!