4 Eye Conditions To Be Aware Of When Your Kids Are Young

Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

While it is easy to believe that children are born with perfectly functioning eyes, there are a number of optical conditions that parents need to be aware of. Here are four eye conditions to be on the lookout for in young children.

Blocked Tear Duct eye condition

Children may experience intense watering of the eyes if the tear duct is blocked. While most cases of blocked tear ducts gradually clear themselves up with age, there are times that surgical intervention may be necessary.

If your child is still dealing with a blocked tear duct into the toddler years or if the issue is leading to frequent infections, you will want to consult a medical professional about the problem.

Cataracts eye condition

Although cataracts seem like a problem with the elderly, young children may also experience this eye issue. Known as pediatric cataracts, symptoms include a decrease in vision, light sensitivity, a wandering eye, or whitening or clouding of the lens area.

A cataract surgery can help to fix the problem so that your child is able to see clearly without discomfort. While some cataracts are present right at birth, others develop over time.

Strabismus eye condition

Strabismus is the clinical turn for what most people refer to as crossed eyes, turned eyes, or lazy eyes. The condition occurs when the eyes point in different directions. Some parents notice this condition consistently, although the issue may also come and go.

It is important to note that children will not outgrow strabismus on their own. In order to fix the condition, treatment must be consistent and early. Depending on the severity of the strabismus, treatment protocols may include surgery, glasses, exercises, or patching.

Chalazion eye condition

This condition is characterized by swelling of the eyelid when a blockage in the glands of the upper or lower eyelid occurs. In addition to the swelling and redness, you may also notice a yellowish ooze. Chalazia can happen in one or both eyes. If the chalazia is not brought under control, it may begin to affect the overall vision of the child.

Treatment options include steroid injections or surgery. For minor cases, you may find relief by regularly applying a warm compress to the affected area to reduce the swelling.

Being informed about the symptoms of each of these conditions can ensure that you will catch potential issues before they develop into serious problems for your child's optical health.

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Written By:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com. 

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