Help! I Think My Child Has an Eye Problem

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of an eye issue, it’s probably time to visit an optometrist. Here are some signs that you should schedule an appointment for them.

As you watch your child grow, you keep an eye out for issues that could get in the way. That includes vision problems and other eye health concerns.

Whether you notice your child squinting to see something far away or their eyes look red, crossed, or lazy, it’s probably time to come see us at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates. As specialists in eye health, Dr. Endo and our team can evaluate your child’s eyes.

We determine what they need to stay as healthy and high-functioning as possible. If you have any concern about their eyes, come visit us in Aiea, Hawaii. With eye exams and other diagnostic tools, we help you figure out if your child has an eye problem and, if so, how to best address it.

If it’s vision-related

There are some telltale signs that a child is having a hard time seeing clearly. Those include:

Squinting
Head tilting
Rubbing their eyes
Sitting overly close to things they want to see (the TV, the board in school)
Complaining of headaches
Covering one eye
Struggling in school

Dr. Endo and our team recommend that kids have a complete eye exam between ages three and five. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to schedule that appointment — no matter your child’s age.

With an eye exam, we can figure out if your child is nearsighted or farsighted. If they are, we determine the prescription they need to see clearly. Then, with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or both, we help them get the visual acuity they need to enjoy their childhood or adolescence to the fullest.

During your child’s eye exam, we also look for other issues that can impact their vision, like a lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus).

If it’s something else

Your child’s eyes may have a problem that’s not vision-related. Some of the most common childhood eye issues include:

A blocked tear duct, which causes watery eyes
Cellulitis, which causes a swollen eyelid
Pink eye, which causes itchy eyes and discharge
A stye, which is a sore lump on the eyelid

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to come see our team so that Dr. Endo can diagnose and treat the issue.

In short, if you think your child might have an eye problem, we’re here to help. We specialize in pediatric eye health and have experience addressing a wide range of eye conditions.

For dedicated care for your child’s eyes, call us or book an appointment online today.