Symptoms of Possible Eye Problems in Children

Careful attention to your child’s physical appearance, behavioral changes, and complaints can help to find and treat eye disorders early. Often parents, grandparents, or caregivers are the first to notice problems.

What are the symptoms of eye problems in children?

Below are symptoms of possible eye problems. But symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred or double vision

• Crossed eyes

• Eyes turn in or out and don’t focus

• Eyes are red and/or swollen

• Eyes are sensitive to light

• Eyes seem to bulge

• Drainage or excessive tearing from the eyes

• Squinting

• Your child rubs their eyes a lot

• Seeing a white reflection in your child's eye or eyes in a photograph

• Your child has trouble reading or holds reading material close to the face

• Your child tilts their head to see

• Your child has trouble or avoids doing "close-up" tasks

• "Jiggly" or dancing eyes

• Eyes that are too large or too small

• Droopy eyelid

• Headaches

• Short attention span

The symptoms of eye problems may look like other health conditions. Always talk with your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis.