Here are commonly asked questions of eye doctors related to babies and their vision.

#1 How often should babies and children have their eyes checked?

All babies should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, even if no visual problems are suspected.

During an eye exam, the eye doctor will check your baby’s visual development and for any visual problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, eye movement ability and eye alignment.

If no problems are detected, and your child’s eyes continue to be healthy, your optometrist will let you know when to schedule their next eye exam.

If you suspect your child has an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Your Baby’s Vision Development

#2 What are the most common vision problems in babies and toddlers?

The most common vision problems in babies and toddlers are refractive errors (farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism), amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), genetic eye diseases, congenital abnormalities, pediatric ptosis and nystagmus.

#3 How does an eye doctor test for a refractive error?

When testing for a refractive error the eye doctor may use lenses and light from a small hand-held instrument to assess how the eye responds to particular targets.

The doctor may also repeat this test after dilating the eyes to enlarge the pupil and stabilize the baby’s focusing.

Infants typically have some degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism not requiring correction.

Studies show that up to 50 percent of infants under 12 months have significant astigmatism, long-sightedness or lazy eyes.

#4 What can a baby see?

While babies have poor vision at birth, they can see faces at close range.

At about six weeks a baby’s eyes should be able to follow objects, and by four months the eyes should work together.

Over the first year or two, a baby’s vision develops rapidly. A two-year-old typically has  20/30 vision, nearly the same as an adult.

#5 As a parent, what can I do to help with my baby’s visual development?

There are many things a parent can do. The following are a few examples of age-appropriate activities that can help with an infant’s visual development.

From birth to 4 months

• Keep reach-and-touch toys within your baby’s focus (about 8 to 12 inches from your baby)
• Use a dim lamp or nightlight in your baby’s room
• Alternate left and right sides with each feeding
• Talk to your baby as you walk around the room

From 5 to 8 months

• Give your baby plenty of time to play on the floor
• Hang a mobile or place various objects across the crib for the baby to grab, pull and kick
• Play patty cake and other games that involve moving the baby’s hands through the motions while saying the words aloud
• Provide soft blocks that they can hold with their hands

From 9 to 12 months

• Encourage crawling and creeping
• Play hide-and-seek games with toys or peek-a-boo to help the baby develop visual memory

As a baby’s eyes are constantly changing, it’s important to get their eyes checked to ensure they are reaching their visual milestones.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Visual Development

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can assess your child’s eye health and diagnose any problems.

The post Vision Problems and Babies: Part 2 Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

All babies should have their eyes examined when they reach 6 months.

Babies depend heavily on their vision to explore and learn about the world around them. Many people are unaware that vision, like walking and talking, is a learned ability and your baby’s eyes benefit from visual stimulation.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure your child’s eyes and vision are developing normally. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the warning signs mentioned below, as they may indicate the need to see an optometrist.

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to make sure your baby’s eyes are developing properly.

SEE RELATED: Vision Problems and Babies: Part 2 Q&A

Signs That May Indicate a Vision Problem In Infants

The following signs and symptoms may indicate your baby has a vision problem:

• Difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Extreme light sensitivity
• Eye pain or discomfort that doesn’t resolve
• Eyes that rapidly move from side to side or up and down
• Eye turn, when one eye turns inward, outward, up or down
• Persistent eye redness

• Squinting or head tilting
• Very droopy eyelids
• White or grayish coloring in the pupil

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can evaluate your baby’s eyes.

Visual Milestones

The visual milestones mentioned below are vital to achieve as your baby grows into a toddler during the first two years of life.

0-4 Months 

When babies are born, they are usually able to focus on objects that are about 9 inches away (the distance between their eyes and their parent’s face while being held).

After a few months, a baby’s vision develops quickly, enabling them to monitor moving objects with their eyes and begin to learn hand-eye coordination.

If you find that your newborn’s eyes tend to be crossed or that one eye turns outward at times, this is usually  nothing to worry about and will likely go away as their visual system progresses.

Important:, if you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

After 3 to 4 months, babies should be able to reach for things and track moving objects.

5-8 Months

Babies begin to see the world in 3 dimensions at around 5 months. Color and depth perception are new visual skills that evolve during these months.

Most babies start to learn to crawl at this age. Crawling helps a baby’s hand-foot-body coordination while also strengthening their visual system. When they crawl, babies look up into the distance, then down at their hands, then back up again.

Binocular vision and hand-eye coordination are improved by constantly changing their points of focus in coordination with their own movement.

9-12 Months 

At this age, a baby should be able to pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger.

Most babies may also attempt to pull themselves to a standing position. They may even try to walk. Encouraging a child to crawl as soon as possible can help them develop hand-eye coordination and binocular vision.

A baby of this age should also have a good sense of distance.

12-24 Months 

Typically, by the age of 2, hand-eye coordination is well developed. Toddlers this age are able to point out objects in a picture book and recognize faces.

What Can Parents Do For Their Baby’s Visual Health? 

In order to develop a healthy visual system, babies need visual stimulation. Parents should engage in age-appropriate activities that will boost their child’s visual development.

Ways to help with visual development include:

• Providing plenty of free play with toys on the floor
• Talking to your baby as you walk around the room to help develop their visual tracking skills
• Reading books and pointing to objects
• Giving your child building blocks and balls that support visual spatial skills and fine motor skills.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Visual Development

If your baby is nearly 6 months old, or if you suspect  a visual problem whatever your child’s age, schedule an evaluation with an eye doctor near you.

The earlier any visual problems are diagnosed, the better the outcome.

The post Babies and Vision Problems appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Many times, parents are hesitant to get their child contact lenses because they are concerned about their eye health and safety.

Below are commonly asked questions about children and contact lenses.

#1 When is a child ready for contact lenses?

Although even some babies are fitted with contact lenses, most optometrists feel that the best age to begin wearing contacts is between 10-12 years old.

There are two questions to consider before getting a child contact lenses:

1. Is my child showing signs of maturity and responsibility?
2. Does my child have good personal hygiene habits?

If the answer is yes to these two questions, then your child may be a great candidate for contact lenses.

A child’s motivation, as well as their maturity level, is a good indication of whether a child is ready to wear contact lenses. The willingness of a child to be responsible for contact lenses and the required hygiene regimen are just as important.

#2 What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses? 

Some of the benefits of  wearing contact lenses include:

• Clear vision without eyeglasses
• Enhanced feeling of ‘natural vision,’ especially if the child has a high prescription
• Increased self-esteem
• No risk of lost or damaged glasses
• Improved vision for sports:
  • Better peripheral vision
  • More stable vision
  • Reduced risk of eye injuries

Schedule an eye exam for contact lenses with an eye doctor near you who can help determine the best fit for your child.

SEE RELATED: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Children 

#3 What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?

There are also some disadvantages of wearing contact lenses:

• Additional expenses
• Disinfecting and cleaning can be inconvenient
• There is a small risk of eye infections and scratches
• Lenses can fall out, get damaged, or lost during the day
• Higher frequency of visits to the eye doctor

#4 How can I prevent an eye infection from contact lenses?

By taking preventative measures, a child can minimize their risk of developing an infection by:

• Always washing hands with soap and water before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Replacing contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor
• Cleaning contact lenses and cases as directed by your doctor
• Keeping fingernails short and clean
• Attending all appointments with your eye doctor

#5 My child has astigmatism, are contact lenses an option?

Yes! Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing a refractive error and blurry vision.

Recently, many styles and brands of contact lenses, called toric lenses, have been designed for patients with astigmatism. These lenses are available as daily, biweekly, and monthly replacement options.

Multifocal contact lenses that contain lens powers for astigmatism and near vision problems are also available, as well as lenses designed for overnight wear. There are also special order toric lenses that can essentially correct any amount of astigmatism.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to determine if your child is ready for contacts, and to ask  any questions you and your child may have.

The post Contact Lenses and Children: Part 2 Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), 14.5 percent of all children under 17 years wear contact lenses.

Parents may have concerns about eye health and safety when it comes to contact lenses and their children. But there is no need to worry; contact lenses are just as safe for children as they are for adults.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to get your child fitted for the right kind of contact lenses.

SEE RELATED: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Children 

Children under 12 years old are most frequently prescribed daily disposable soft contact lenses. For children aged 12 and older, reusable contact lenses are also an option — these can be replaced every two weeks or monthly, depending on the type.

Single use and daily disposable contact lenses are prescribed mostly to prevent contamination issues that can occur from insufficient disinfection of lenses that are worn more than once.

Types of contact lenses

There are many different types of contact lenses for children to correct a variety of vision conditions:

• Soft Contacts

These lenses are most frequently prescribed for children, as they are known to be comfortable and easy to adapt to.  These lenses are available as daily, biweekly (every two weeks), and monthly disposables. Extended wear options are also available.

• Rigid Gas Permeable Contacts (RGP)

Also known as ‘hard lenses,’ these lenses provide clear vision for many complex vision conditions. Their high oxygen permeability decreases the risk of eye infections. However, when starting to wear these lenses there may be a longer adjustment period than with soft lenses.

• Toric Lenses

These lenses are used for people with astigmatism. They come in a standard design for most common optical powers or can be specially customized if required.

• Scleral Lenses

These contact lenses are used for children with an irregular corneal shape. Sclerals bridge over the cornea and rest on the white (sclera) of the eye.

• Ortho-k Lenses

These lenses are used for children with myopia. Worn overnight, they temporarily  reshape the cornea so users can enjoy clear vision during the day, without the need for eyewear.

These lenses have also been shown to reduce the progression of myopia.

Schedule a contact lens fitting with an eye doctor near you.

Is my child ready for contact lenses?

Before deciding if contact lenses are right for a child, a parent needs to consider whether their child is ready to wear them. During their eye doctor’s appointment, the optometrist may ask about the level of personal hygiene, maturity and responsibility.

Older children are typically highly motivated to wear contacts and usually adapt to them very quickly.

Other considerations are the child’s optical prescription, level of self-esteem and participation in sports.

Eye infections and contact lenses

Children, like adults, have a chance of developing eye infections or other complications when using  contact lenses. However, when cared for and worn according to your eye doctor’s instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

Children who wear contact lenses must follow careful instructions to maintain optimal hygiene in order to prevent any eye infections.

Here are some ways for them to prevent and minimize their risk of an eye infection:

• Always wash hands before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Clean contact lenses and cases as directed by your eye doctor
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Replace contact lenses as directed by your doctor
• Attend all appointments with your eye doctor

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to find out which type of contact lens is the best fit and safest for your child’s eyes.

The post Contact Lenses Safety for Children appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Most baby’s eyes are assessed by a neonatologist within a few days after birth.

Undetected vision problems could affect your baby’s abilities to interact with the environment around them and result in learning or reading delays.

Studies show that up to half of all infants in their first 2 years have astigmatism and long-sightedness.

Here are some answers to questions related to babies and their vision.

#1 Does my baby need eye exams?

Yes, all babies should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, even if no visual problems are suspected. The most common vision problems in babies and toddlers are farsightedness and astigmatism.

Up to 5% of all infants have amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye turn).

#2 What does my baby see?

When babies open their eyes, their vision is fixed at about 12 inches (30 cm). This allows them to see their mother’s face and learn to recognize the source of their food.

At about six weeks a baby’s eyes should be able to follow objects, at about 1-2 meters away and by four months the eyes should work together.

Over the first year or two, a baby’s vision develops rapidly. A two-year-old typically sees around 20/30 vision, nearly the same as an adult.

#3 How can I help my baby’s visual development?

There are many things a parent can do to help their baby’s vision develop. The following are a few examples of age-appropriate activities that can help with an infant’s visual development.

From birth to 4 months;

• Place soft toys within your baby’s focus (up to 12 inches)
• Use a dim lamp or nightlight in your baby’s room
• Feed from alternate left and right breasts
• Talk softly from 12-24 inches away

From 5 to 8 months;

• Encourage floor play and exploration
• Use crib mobile for the baby to grab, pull and kick
• Stimulate grabbing and touching soft objects

From 9 to 12 months;

• Encourage crawling and creeping
• Play hide-and-seek games with toys

As a baby’s eyes are constantly changing, it’s important to get their eyes checked at 6 months and again at 2-3 years of age.

If you notice anything unusual, such as an eye turn, it is important to see an optometrist with experience in babies.

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can discuss your baby’s visual development and ensure they are meeting their milestones.

The post Does my Baby have a Vision Problem? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The first step in reading is reading fluency. Once a child has mastered that, they will start to be able to comprehend what it is they are reading.

Without comprehension, reading is a pointless and frustrating exercise. What most people don’t realize is that visual information is essential for reading comprehension.

If a child struggles with reading comprehension it could be due to an undiagnosed vision problem.

A traditional vision exam primarily measures visual acuity, or 20/20 eyesight, unusually it does not assess functional vision, so a child with ’20/20 sight’ could still have a visual problem.

Functional vision is how your entire visual system – the brain, the eyes, the visual pathways – works together to help you interact with your environment.

There are 17 visual skills that impact a child’s school performances.

The functional vision exam includes a comprehensive assessment of the visual skills including;

• Lazy eye
• Eye focusing
• Eye Tracking
• Binocular function
• Convergence
• Visual information processing

A functional eye exam is vital for all children with reading comprehension challenges.

If your child is not reading to their grade level, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat any visual problems.

SEE RELATED: 2021 Update: Reading Fluency

Vision and reading comprehension

There are in fact 17 visual skills that can impact a child’s school grades. Listed below are just 3 of the top functional vision problems related to reading comprehension:

1. Eye focusing (Accommodative insufficiency)

Accommodation is the eyes’ ability to focus. Tiny muscles inside your eyes contract or relax to change the shape of your eyes’ lenses and allow you to bring objects at different distances into focus.

When you focus on something close, the muscles contract, and when you focus on something in the distance, they relax. This can make reading difficult when trying to maintain focus on objects up close, such as a book.

2. Convergence insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency is a problem with keeping both eyes working together, especially when focusing on words on a page.

When the eyes don’t converge accurately, it can affect the ability to concentrate on simple near tasks. This can also result in headaches, double vision, and visual discomfort when performing near activities like reading.

3. Eye tracking (Irregular saccades)

Eye saccades is a visual skill that enables a person to make quick eye movements from one object to another, such as moving from word to word while reading. Irregular saccades make reading more challenging and difficult for a child to keep their place when reading.

Can vision therapy help?

Vision therapy is a fully personalized treatment program designed to improve and strengthen visual skills, and retrain a child’s visual system to interpret visual input with increased accuracy and ease.

Vision therapy is more than just simple eye exercises — it improves brain-eye communication, and the effective operating of a child’s visual system.

The goal of vision therapy is to boost attention, concentration, learning, and reading.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Vision and Learning Difficulties

Contact an eye doctor near you that specializes in vision therapy, this may just be what your child needs to significantly improve their reading comprehension.

The post 2021 Update: Reading Comprehension appeared first on Optometrists.org.

You may easily find answers to your questions below. If you still have questions, contact your nearest eye doctor experienced in children’s vision.

Over 2.5 billion children have vision problems, yet 80% of those are preventable.

A comprehensive eye exam will assess not only a child’s vision, but can also detect problems with their eye health and general health.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you for a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your child has healthy vision and to check for eye diseases and other health problems.

SEE RELATED: Does your Child have a Learning Difficulty?

Here are some frequently asked questions related to pediatric eye health:

1. How regularly should children visit an eye doctor?

The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association recommend that children have their first eye exam at 6-12 months of age.

After their first eye exam your optometrist will let you know when their next exam is due. At a minimum, they should return for an eye exam every 1-2 years.

Once a child starts school, they should have  a comprehensive eye exam once a year, or as recommended by their eye doctor.

2. Is a school vision screening sufficient for my child?

No.

School vision screenings are insufficient since they are only intended to detect a few vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness).

A thorough eye exam, on the other hand, allows an eye doctor to evaluate a child’s vision and eye health, as well as visual skills like focusing and eye tracking. Since a child’s visual skills are important to their academic success, eye doctors suggest that children have a comprehensive eye exam before starting school and every year after that.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to have your child’s vision checked.

3. How does vision play a role when children are diagnosed as dyslexic or learning disabled?

Not every child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability and/or ADHD actually has one or both of these conditions.

Undiagnosed vision problems sometimes present with the same signs and symptoms as dyslexia and attention disorders.

Of course, children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions can experience vision problems at the same time. When children’s vision issues are addressed, they also find it easier to learn.

It is estimated that 25% of school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem that could interfere with learning.

4. At what age can a child wear contact lenses?

There is no set age when a child may begin wearing contact lenses. In fact, 4 million children under the age of 18 in the United States wear contacts.

Contact lenses are particularly well suited for children after the age of 8 years.

Many children love wearing contacts especially for active or sports-loving children, and they are an excellent treatment choice for children with myopia.

They may be prescribed for children as young as six months old due to congenital cataracts or other infant eye disorders.

5. My child keeps breaking their glasses. Are there effective long-lasting glasses for children?

There is a wide selection of frames for children that are specifically built to be flexible and withstand a sufficient amount of mechanical stress.

Some children, on the other hand, can manage to break, bend, or damage their glasses, that is why having a spare pair of glasses is advised.

Early vision care can help your child reach their full learning potential.

LEARN MORE: Vision for School

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to ensure your child’s vision remains clear and healthy.

The post Children’s Vision: FAQs appeared first on Optometrists.org.

During a child’s early years it’s crucial to care for their eyes, which are rapidly growing and developing.

Diagnosing eye problems early can help minimize potential damage and makes treatment faster and more effective.

That’s why parents should know about the most common pediatric eye problems and their symptoms.

1. Refractive errors

The 3 most common refractive errors found in children are astigmatism (irregularly curved cornea), myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). These conditions prevent light from focusing on the correct part of the retina, causing blurred vision.

Signs to watch for:

• Frequent squinting or head tilting
• Headache or eye strain after a child performs visually demanding activities
• Holding books or digital screens very close to the face
• Sitting very close to the computer or television

2. Amblyopia

Also known as lazy eye, amblyopia occurs when one eye is weaker than the other and doesn’t achieve normal visual acuity or function.

Amblyopia is difficult to diagnose since the child relies on their ‘good’ eye and may be unaware of their problem.

Signs to watch for:

• Difficulty reading/doing math/playing sports
• Difficulty with attention and focus
• Frequently closing one eye
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Head tilting
• Squinting

If you notice any of these signs in your child, contact an eye doctor near you.

3. Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD)

BVD is caused by the two eyes not working together, due to a misalignment between the two eyes.

Signs to watch for:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Light sensitivity
• Motion sickness
• Stress

If you find that your child frequently suffers from any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an exam with an eye doctor that is trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating BVD.

4. Convergence insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency is a binocular vision condition that affects eye muscle coordination and near vision. It occurs when the eyes aren’t able to effectively work together to focus on a near object.

Signs to watch for:

• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Fatigue, especially when reading
• Headaches
• Homework avoidance
• Motion sickness or vertigo
• Reading below grade level
• Seeing words move or jump on the page

If you suspect your child has an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What Is Myopia?

5. Nystagmus

Nystagmus is a congenital or acquired condition characterized by quick, involuntary back-and-forth eye movements. Congenital nystagmus appears in the first few months of life, while acquired nystagmus appears after 6 months.

Signs to watch for: Eyes that repetitively and rapidly move from side to side, up and down, or in a circle.

6. Pediatric cataracts

Adults aren’t the only ones affected by cataracts.

An estimated 20,000-40,000 children are born with cataracts each year worldwide.

Cataracts occur when the usually clear lens of one or both eyes becomes clouded. It’s possible that a cataract can impair vision, depending on its position and intensity.

Signs to watch for:

• Difficulty recognizing faces and seeing objects
• Eyes that point in different directions
• Gray or white-colored pupil
• Nystagmus

7. Strabismus 

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are turned, misaligned or “crossed.” If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia and permanent vision loss.

An eye turn might be noticed soon after birth or even suddenly appear at about two years of age.

Signs to watch for:

• An eye that points inward, outward, upward or downward
• Excessive and frequent squinting, especially in bright light
• Head tilting, in an effort to align the eyes

Vision therapy can help

Vision therapy consists of personalized exercises aimed at developing visual skills so the eyes, visual system and brain are communicating correctly.

If your child is diagnosed with any of the above eye conditions, your eye doctor will likely recommend a personalized program of vision therapy.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Pediatric Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, and to discuss any questions you may have about treating your child’s eye condition.

Diagnosing eye problems in your child early can help minimize potential damage and allows treatment to be faster and more effective.

The post 7 Common Pediatric Eye Conditions  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Pink eye is the most common eye problem among children, causing sore and painful eyes.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the clear membrane that covers the inner portion of the eyelids and the white of the eye. This condition can be successfully treated by optometrists.

Common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Blurred vision
• Eyes feel scratchy
• Crustiness around the lashes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Itchiness and grittiness
• Light sensitivity
• Red, swollen eyes and eyelids
• Watery eyes

Pink eye is typically caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. If a bacteria or virus is the cause of your child’s pink eye, then it’s highly contagious.

SEE RELATED: Unequal Pupil Sizes (Anisocoria)

If your child has any of the above symptoms, contact an eye doctor near you.

4 things to do for pink eye:

1. Contact an eye doctor

It’s often difficult for parents to tell what’s causing their child’s symptoms, which is why it’s important for an eye doctor to examine the child’s eyes.

The treatment for pink eye is determined by the type of infection, so a proper diagnosis is crucial.

For example, viral conjunctivitis can resolve on its own after several days, whereas bacterial conjunctivitis requires treatment with antibiotic medication.

If your child is showing signs of pink eye, contact an eye doctor near you for an eye exam.

2. Change Your child’s bed sheets and towels

To get rid of any bacteria that might remain on their towels, pillowcases, and bed sheets, throw all of them in the washer and dryer.

This reduces the chances of the child being infected again and infecting other family members. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potentially infected linens.

3. Encourage personal hygiene

Since viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are so infectious, good hygiene is vital  to prevent it from spreading. If your child is young, teach them how to wash their hands properly with soap and water and when to do so.

As long as a child has viral or bacterial pink eyes they should avoid wearing contact lenses in order to prevent their eyes from becoming infected. Wear glasses until your child’s eyes are fully healed.

4. Make your child feel comfortable 

If your child has viral conjunctivitis, the primary treatment is often simply easing your child’s symptoms.

To reduce irritation use soothing eye drops. A warm or cool compress placed over the child’s affected eye can also be helpful. Be sure to use a fresh washcloth each time, and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.

Warm compresses are great for viral and bacterial pink eye, while cool compresses work best for pink eye caused by allergies and irritants.

Contact an eye doctor near you, who will instruct you on how to care for your child’s condition and ease any discomfort.

4 ways to protect yourself

There are a number of things that can be done to protect yourself and other family members from becoming infected and spreading pink eye.

• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. By rubbing or touching your eyes when you have a pink eye, it can spread to the other eye or worsen the condition.

• Wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure that you and your children wash hands using soap and water. This is especially important after touching someone with pink eyes or any of their personal items.

• Don’t share personal items, such as towels, bedding, eye drops, glasses, contact lenses and containers, and makeup.

• If you wear contacts, stop wearing them until your eye doctor says it’s okay. Then throw out the current lenses and use a fresh pair when your eye doctor says it’s safe to start wearing lenses again.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to have your child’s pink eye diagnosed and treated.

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While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind and increases a child’s chances of achieving the most optimal treatment results.

When it comes to pediatric eye care, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical attention is vital for both you and your child.

Every year, over 125,000 children in the US receive urgent medical care by emergency eye doctors.

Here are the five most common types of pediatric eye emergencies, and tips on how to manage them.

1. Acute conjunctivitis 

This severe type of pink eye, formally called pediatric acute bacterial conjunctivitis, affects about 1 in 8 children every year. Acute conjunctivitis typically affects preschool children, toddlers and babies.

A child with this very contagious infection may experience eye discharge, itchiness and redness, usually in both eyes. Along with these eye symptoms, about 39% of children will also have a severe ear infection.

Treatment involves either oral or topical antibiotic medication, or in severe cases, both.

If your child shows any signs of acute conjunctivitis, contact an eye doctor near you for immediate treatment.

2. Blunt eye trauma

Blunt eye trauma can cause internal bleeding within the eye called hyphema. In severe cases, the extra blood within the eye can cause elevated inner eye pressure and lead to permanent vision loss. It usually happens during rough play or sports.

Typical symptoms after being struck in the eye include:

• Redness and swelling
• Eye drainage
• Eye pain that won’t go away
• Vision changes
• Visible abnormalities of the affected eye
• Visible bleeding in the white of the eye (sclera)

If your child has any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

If you suspect your child has an eye injury, urgently contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What to Do for a Black Eye

3. Chemical exposure to the eye

A variety of household cleaning products  can damage a child’s eyes and result in an eye care emergency. To protect your child’s eyes, keep these things locked away and out of reach.

If a child’s eye is exposed to a chemical, look for a phone number on the product’s label to dial in the event of an emergency or contact your nearest pediatric emergency eye care department.

Immediately after the incident: Hold your child’s eye open for about 20 minutes while you flush the eye area with clean water or saline drops. If both eyes have been exposed, place your child in the shower and have them face the water so it goes into their eyes.

4. Cuts or scrapes to the eye

Particles of dust, sand, wood shavings and other tiny objects can get into a child’s eye and cause a scratch on the surface of the eye, called a corneal abrasion.

Corneal abrasions may cause:

• Vision problems
• Stinging
• Burning
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes

If you suspect that your child has a corneal abrasion, immediately contact an eye doctor near you for treatment.

Corneal abrasions are typically treated with eye drops, medicated ointments, and sometimes pain relievers.

To get the object or particle out of the child’s eye, rinse the affected eye with saline solution or clean tap water. They can also blink several times to try and flush out whatever is scratching the eye. Avoid rubbing the eye, as that can make almost any eye condition worse.

5. Foreign objects stuck in the eye

If your child is complaining that something is stuck in their eye, the first thing to do is to tell them not to rub their eyes. Visually inspect their eyes and see if you find anything. If a foreign object is on the sclera, the white part of the eye, try flushing the eye with saline solution or clean water.

If it looks like something is lodged in the eye or has penetrated the eyeball, do not try and remove it. Seek pediatric eye care immediately.

When it comes to pediatric eye emergencies, remaining calm is important for both you and your child.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

If your child has had an eye emergency, immediately contact an eye doctor near you who can help with eye emergencies and other eye care services.

While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind.

When it comes to pediatric eye care emergencies, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical care is vital for both you and your child.

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