Below are general signs of eye problems in children. If you notice one or more of these signs, or if your child does or says any of the things listed here, take your child to an eye doctor right away.
How do your child's eyes look?
- Eyes don't line up; one eye appears crossed or looks out.
- Eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted or swollen.
- Eyes are watery or red (inflamed).
How does your child act?
- Rubs eyes a lot.
- Closes or covers one eye.
- Tilts head or thrusts head forward.
- Has trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or holds objects close to eyes to see.
- Blinks more than usual or seems cranky when doing close-up work.
- Things are blurry or hard to see.
- Squints eyes or frowns.
What does your child say?
- "My eyes are itchy," "my eyes are burning" or "my eyes feel scratchy."
- "I can't see very well."
- After doing close-up work your child says, "I feel dizzy," "I have a headache," or "I feel sick/nauseous."
- "Everything looks blurry," or "I see double."
Remember, your child may still have an eye problem even if he or she does not complain or has not shown any unusual signs.
