There are several signs of vision problems to watch for in children.  Squinting of both eyes may be a sign of difficulty with seeing things clearly and might indicate the need for glasses.  Getting very close to things to see them better, or having trouble spotting things in the distance may also indicate a vision problem.  Older children may be found to have a problem on a screening eye test at school or at the doctor's office during a checkup.

Children also may show signs of eye misalignment (strabismus).  One or both eyes may be observed to turn inward, drift outward or drift upward.  This may occur contstantly or intermittently.  Some children with strabismus tend to cover one eye or squint one eye closed.  Other children with strabismus may turn or tilt their head to allow their eyes to work better together.

Any of the following signs or symptoms would be a reason to have an evaluation by an eye doctor.

• Concern about your child's vision (squinting of the eyes, unable to see well in the distance, getting very close to see things better).
• Babies that do not focus well on mom or dad's face by 3 months of age.
• Observed misalignment of the eyes.
• Squinting one eye closed or rubbing or covering one eye frequently.
• Shaking or dancing eye movements.
• Frequently tilting or turning of the head to focus better.
• Pain in or around the eye.
• Frequent or persisting eye discharge and/or tearing or wet-appearing eyes.
• Persisting redness of one or both eyes.
• Drooping of one or both eyelids.
• A noticeable difference in the size of the pupils.
• Frequent eyelid styes.
• A WHITE PUPIL IN ONE OR BOTH EYES - This requires immediate evaluation by an eye specialist.

If you spot any of these signs, please contact us or your primary care physician for an immediate eye evaluation.