In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of children in Singapore diagnosed with eye problems at an early age. As a matter of fact, according to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), children as young as six are now wearing glasses to support their vision, compared to a decade ago when the average age was 12.
As such, early detection and intervention are crucial for addressing vision problems, which is why it is important for parents to know what the most common eye issues in kids are to recognise their signs. By identifying these problems early, parents can ensure their child receives the proper care and support for optimal vision.
What Are the Common Types of Eye Problems in Children?
Some of the prevalent eye problems children may face include:
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common eye problems for kids in Singapore, affecting over half of the children developing myopia by the age of 12.
This condition makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while close-up vision remains relatively unaffected. If left untreated, myopia can worsen over time, potentially leading to vision complications and affecting a child's quality of life.
2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
This is the opposite of myopia, where children may have difficulty focusing and seeing nearby objects while they can see distant objects. This condition occurs due to having short eyeballs, which leads to the light focusing behind the retina.
While hyperopia may improve as children grow, some kids may still need corrective eyewear, primarily if the condition affects their reading ability or participation in everyday activities.
3. Astigmatism
This eye condition is caused by having a cornea or lens with an irregular shape, causing distorted or blurred vision. Astigmatism often occurs alongside other refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia, but it can also exist independently. This condition is usually present from birth, and having a small degree of astigmatism is considered normal, which means it does not require any correction.
However, when the child develops myopia or hyperopia alongside their astigmatism, they may complain of blurred vision, eye strain, or headaches.
4. Strabismus
Strabismus or squint refers to the condition where the eyes are misaligned. There are various types of strabismus, a comitant squint and incomitant squint.
A comitant squint has a consistent angle of ocular deviation in all directions of gaze, typically seen in congenital or early-onset strabismus.
In contrast, an incomitant squint displays varying angles of deviation depending on the direction of gaze, often caused by restrictive factors like thyroid eye disease or paralytic causes like acute sixth nerve palsy. In incomitant squints, eye movement limitations are common, serving as a key distinguishing feature.
Strabismus can affect depth perception and lead to double vision if left untreated. As such, early detection and intervention are essential to prevent long-term complications.
5. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition where vision is significantly reduced in one or, sometimes, both eyes. It occurs when the eye does not receive proper visual stimulation during early childhood, leading to poor development of the brain-eye neural pathways.
Amblyopia often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye and eye exams are critical for early detection in children.
6. Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)
Ptosis, or a drooping eyelid, is commonly associated with older adults but can also occur as a congenital condition.
Congenital ptosis is usually caused by underdevelopment of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. Children with ptosis may tilt their heads or raise their eyebrows to compensate for the drooping eyelid and see clearly. Treatment will depend on the cause of the condition and whether it interferes with the child's vision.
7. Nystagmus (Dancing Eyes)
Nystagmus is a condition characterised by involuntary eye movements, often referred to as "dancing eyes." It can occur in children with other eye conditions that affect vision, as well as in children with otherwise healthy eyes. Despite the constant motion of the eyes, children with nystagmus typically do not experience the world shaking or moving back and forth.
Typically, children with this condition can live normal, active lives. However, some children may need accommodation to help with vision problems, coordination, or nervous system issues.
What Are the Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children?
As a parent, it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems. The earlier you can spot these symptoms, the sooner you can seek professional help.
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Squinting
- Frequent Eye Rubbing
- Difficulty Focusing
- Tilting the Head
- Complaints of Blurred or Double Vision
When to Consult an Optometrist
When your child expresses concerns about their vision, it's essential to schedule an appointment with an optometrist promptly. This is because early intervention is crucial for minimising the risk of further complications and ensuring that eye problems are addressed before they impact your child's academic performance or daily activities.
In addition to reacting to potential issues, regular paediatric eye examinations are vital to monitor your child’s eye health, especially since some conditions may not show obvious symptoms at first.
To ensure your child's vision health, partnering with a trusted eyecare clinic like Kacee Eyecare can be beneficial. Optometrists at Kacee Eyecare can provide thorough eye examinations, quality eyewear like myopia control lenses, and guidance on minimising the risk and managing eye problems.
For more insights into caring for your child’s eye health, check out our parent’s guide to eyecare for kids.