Common Eye Conditions in Children Explained

Nigel Robinson on February 3, 2025

An image of a child smiling outdoors with her mum

From climbing trees to reading their favourite books, healthy vision is key to your little one living a full and active life.

Since there are several vision issues that commonly affect youngsters, it’s important to keep on top of their eye health. Correcting a problem early on could make a significant difference to their development, both socially and physically and to their overall wellbeing.

Let’s dive into some of the most common eye conditions in children, what to look out for, and how we can help ensure your child’s future looks bright.

Myopia (short-sightedness)

A visual representation of myopia showing a lane with clear vision on the left and blurred vision on the right

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is one of the most common eye conditions in children. It makes distant objects appear blurry while things up close stay clear.

This happens when the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea is too curved. The good news is vision correction can help. As well as correcting vision, special myopia-control glasses and contact lenses can slow down myopia progression in children.

Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

A visual representation of hyperopia with letter blocks. The closest block is blurred while the block in the background is clear

Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. Your child will be able to see distant objects fine but will struggle with focusing on anything close-up.

This condition occurs when the eyeball is a bit too short or the cornea isn’t curved enough.

Signs to watch for either myopia or hyperopia include headaches after reading, trouble concentrating on homework, or frequent eye rubbing.

Hyperopia can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism happens when the eyeball isn’t perfectly round and is shaped more like a rugby ball, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Your child might complain of headaches, have trouble seeing both near and far, or see halos around objects.

Glasses can also be made up to correct astigmatism, making it easier for your child to focus on their favourite activities. Toric contact lenses for astigmatism are also a vision correction option.

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

A young girl wearing glasses covering one eye with her hand at the opticians

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, occurs when one eye doesn’t develop proper vision because the brain favours the stronger eye.

You might notice one eye wandering, poor depth perception, or your child closing one eye to see better. Early detection is key since amblyopia responds best to treatment before the age of seven. Treatment can include an eye patch or special glasses that strengthen the weaker eye.

Strabismus (crossed eyes)

A young child with strabismus, showing one eye turned inwards.

What is strabismus? It’s when the eyes don’t align properly – one may turn inward, outward, upward or downward.

You may notice that your child’s eyes don’t always look in the same direction, especially when they’re tired. It can lead to amblyopia if not treated early on.

Treatment options depend on the severity and can range from glasses and eye exercises to surgery in more advanced cases.

Colour blindness

Colour blindness is an inherited condition that’s more common in boys. It makes it difficult to distinguish between certain shades, most often reds and greens.

Signs include using incorrect colours when colouring, struggling with colour-based activities, or difficulty telling colours apart.

While there’s no cure, we can teach your child strategies for dealing with colour-coded information.

Spotting eye conditions in children

A young boy wearing a pair of glasses reading a book in his bedroom.

Early treatment almost always leads to better outcomes for your child and their vision. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs of sight problems:

frequent eye rubbing or blinking
short attention span
avoiding reading or drawing
tilting head or covering one eye to see better
frequent headaches or eye pain
poor hand-eye coordination

You know your child best. If something seems off about their vision, it’s always worth checking.

Why regular eye exams matter

A young girl having an eye test at the opticians

Kids don’t always realise they’re struggling to see—they might think the way they see the world is normal. That’s why regular children’s eye exams are so important.

Our team carries out children’s eye exams in a relaxed environment while making them fun. Using child-friendly equipment and a warm, welcoming approach, we ensure your little one feels at ease.

Get in touch to book an appointment—your child’s eyes (and future self) will thank you!

Exercise and eye health

Your eyes are demanding organs that need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to function at their best. When you get moving, whether it’s a brisk walk around the park or a vigorous tennis match, your blood circulation shifts into a higher gear.

This boost in blood flow supports the function of your muscles and delivers more oxygen and nutrients, helping to maintain healthy eyes and ward off common eye conditions.

How exercise supports eye health

Women taking part in an indoor cycling exercise class

Regular exercise reduces the pressure inside your eyes (intraocular pressure). This pressure reduction is brilliant for fighting off glaucoma. Better blood flow increases the amount of oxygen the optic nerve receives, strengthening the network of blood vessels in your eyes.

For anyone managing diabetes, exercise can help fight back against diabetic retinopathy – a condition where high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. Physical activity helps keep your blood sugar levels in check, which is a big win for protecting your vision.

Anyone who loves staying active is less likely to develop macular degeneration, a condition that develops as you age and affects your central vision. Exercise helps by reducing inflammation, delivering nutrients to the macula—responsible for your central vision—and keeping blood pressure and sugar levels steady.

That’s the science bit done! Now let’s take a quick look at which exercises can help your eyes reap the benefits of regular physical activity.

Exercises for eye health

Men and women taking part in yoga on the grass outdoors

The good news? You don’t need to train to become the next Dina Asher-Smith or Serena Williams. The bad news? There is none! A simple 30-minute walk five times a week is all it takes.

Yoga is also perfect – those flowing movements and inverted poses can help boost blood flow to your eyes. Swimming, cycling, or even gardening count too. The key is consistency rather than intensity.

Even if you don’t exercise at the moment, it’s easy to get going. Start small – take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to the shops rather than drive, or do some stretches while watching telly. Your eyes will thank you for every bit of movement.

Tag: Common eye conditions