Signs and Symptoms of Eye Strain in Children

Yearly checkups will:

• help children perform better at school activities.
• ensure healthy and normal vision development.
• allow the eye doctor to detect and prevent the progression of any vision issues.
• keep your child’s vision comfortable and clear.
• prevent headaches, discomfort and eye strain.

Visit a Children’s Eye Doctor at Market Mall Optometry

Our qualified kids' eye doctors offer a wide range of children’s vision services including eye exams, contact lens fittings and eye emergency care to help keep your little ones' eyesight healthy and comfortable for many years to come.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Eye Strain in Children

Eye strain is a common condition, which leads to many people just brushing it aside. While it may not usually be a cause of concern, it’s important to still pay attention to it as it could be a sign of more serious vision problems.

Detecting eye strain can be easy for an adult, but for children, it is more of a challenge. In fact, studies show that around 25% of school-age children need eyeglasses, yet their vision problems remain undetected.

REMEMBER: It is so important to visit your local kids' eye doctor because what may start out as simple eye strain in children can worsen if left untreated.

Signs of Eye Strain

If your child is suffering from eye strain, here are some of the signs he/she might exhibit:

• Complaints about tired eyes
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Headaches
• Frequent rubbing of the eyes
• Squinting
• Discomfort
• Blurry or double vision
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes

If your child is displaying any of the symptoms above, it’s important to visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for a checkup to ensure the comfort of their vision is restored.

 

Causes of Eye Strain in Children

Eye strain is a common problem among children and it can be caused by a number of factors including:

1. Vision Problems

Eye strain can be a result of a number of vision problems including:

• Myopia (nearsightedness) which is a common vision problem where things appear blurred from afar.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness) where close objects seem blurred
• Astigmatism is a problem with how a child’s eye focuses light
• Presbyopia. Even though children never suffer from presbyopia, they may require bifocals if they have any eye muscle imbalances.

During a comprehensive eye exam, a children’s doctor can examine your child’s vision and eye health to determine whether there are any problems and provide the necessary solutions to ensure your young one’s eyes are functioning as they should.

Eye Exams For Children

 

2. Video and Computer Games

Video and computer games are probably the most common culprits for eye strain in children. In fact, as much as 93% of computer users experience eye strain and the condition only worsens the longer you spend time on the computer.

Tip from an eye doctor: Make sure to monitor your kids' computer and video game times and remind them to take short eye breaks every hour or so to avoid experiencing any eye strain.

 

3. Light Conditions

Lighting is also essential in avoiding eye strain in children. You should watch out for the following:

• Children frequently playing outside. If your child is very active, you must ensure they wear good quality sunglasses that will help reduce the glare and protect their eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
• When children are working and reading, make sure that the light is at a comfortable level. Their eyes will be strained if the light is too dim.

 

Call Today

To find out more about our children’s vision services, and how our kid’s eye doctors can keep your little one’s vision healthy, contact our Calgary eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or book an eye exam today.