Careful attention to your child’s physical appearance, behavioral changes, and complaints can help to find and treat eye disorders early. Often parents, grandparents, or caregivers are the first to notice problems.
What are the symptoms of eye problems in children?
Below are symptoms of possible eye problems. But symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
-
Blurred or double vision
-
Crossed eyes
-
Eyes turn in or out and don’t focus
-
Eyes are red and/or swollen
-
Eyes are sensitive to light
-
Eyes seem to bulge
-
Drainage or excessive tearing from the eyes
-
Squinting
-
Your child rubs their eyes a lot
-
Seeing a white reflection in your child's eye or eyes in a photograph
-
Your child has trouble reading or holds reading material close to the face
-
Your child tilts their head to see
-
Your child has trouble or avoids doing "close-up" tasks
-
"Jiggly" or dancing eyes
-
Eyes that are too large or too small
-
Droopy eyelid
-
Headaches
-
Short attention span
The symptoms of eye problems may look like other health conditions. Always talk with your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Featured in
Personalized care starts with the right provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
FIND A DOCTORRelated Articles
Blepharitis in Children
Blepharitis is an inflammation in the oil glands of the eyelid. It causes swollen eyelids and crusting around the eyelashes. Even after it’s treated and goes away, it can often come back again and again for years. It can often lead to an infection of the eye and a loss of eyelashes.
Eyelid Lacerations in Children
Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury.
Keratitis in Children
Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
Eye Trauma
Detailed information on eye trauma in children
