How to detect eye problems in children?

07/09/2021

The early detection of eye problems in children is one of the most common concerns of parents who come to our consultations. The child's vision develops until around 8 years of age, with the first 4 years being the most important for correct visual development and, therefore, satisfactory learning.

We must take into account the difficulty of the little ones to verbalize their eye problems or discomfort. There are a series of signs and symptoms that should alert us that our child may have an eye problem:

• Divert one or both eyes

• Eye twitching

• Double vision

• Torticollis or head tilt

• Difficulty identifying familiar people or objects

• Getting too close to objects

• Blurry vision

• Light discomfort

• Eye rubbing

• Red eyes

• Lacrimation

• Droopy eyelid

• Headache

• Poor school performance

From the Barraquer Ophthalmology Center we advise to carry out a first eye check-up at 2 years of age. If there is a family history of ocular pathologies or a recommendation from your pediatrician, they should carry out an ophthalmological examination beforehand. Subsequently, annual ophthalmological check-ups are recommended to ensure good visual development and rule out serious ocular pathologies.

Dra. Marta Carrera, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Center