Signs of Possible Eye Problems

If you have any concerns about your child's eyes or vision, see an eye doctor. There are a number of warning signs for possible eye trouble in children. If your child exhibits one or more of the following signs, it is important that you seek professional eye care.

Behaviour

• Shuts one eye
• Rubs eyes excessively
• Tilts or turns the head when looking at something
• Squints eyelids together when looking at something in the distance
• Difficulties with reading or other close work
• Appearance
• Crossed or misaligned eyes
• Excessive watering
• Red or inflamed eyes
• Drooping eye lid
• Eyelids which are swollen, red-rimmed or crusty
• Recurring infections on the eyelids
• Photographs of the child show a white reflection in the eye, instead of a red reflection or no reflection

Symptoms

• Itchy eyes
• Cannot see well
• Sensitivity to light
• Dizziness, headaches or nausea after close work
• Blurry or double vision

Eye safety for children

Obviously, accidents causing eye injuries can happen to anyone. However, more than half the people who sustain eye injuries are under the age of 25. Many injuries occur during sporting or recreational activities. Protective glasses should be worn in some sports.

Eye safety at home

• Provide adequate supervision and instruction when your children are playing with potentially dangerous items (eg pencils and scissors).
• Avoid toys that shoot projectiles
• Keep all chemicals and sprays out of reach of young children
• Do not allow children to light fireworks
• Keep children at a safe distance when you are mowing the lawn. Stones and sticks can be thrown up from the moving blades.
• Lead by example, always wearing protective eyewear when you use power tools, lawn mowers etc

What to do when an eye injury occurs

If your child sustains an eye injury, it is important to consult with an ophthalmologist or other medical practitioner as soon as possible. The seriousness of an eye injury is not always immediately obvious.