From birth through their teenage years, young people may experience a range of eye problems that can impact their overall quality of life. According to the CDC, almost 3% of the U.S. population under 18 has trouble seeing even with corrective lenses, which makes them either visually impaired or blind. Nearly 6.8% have been diagnosed with an eye and a vision condition. As such, it's important to ensure that every young person out there gets the vision support they need to lead healthy, productive lives. In this article, we've put together three of the most common eye problems present in young patients.

1. Convergence Insufficiency

If a patient suffers from convergence insufficiency, it means that their eyes struggle with near sight and eye muscle control. Symptoms of this condition include headaches, blurred vision, difficulty with sports and reading, and so on. While living with convergence insufficiency can be challenging, this condition is highly treatable. At the Vision Learning Center, we provide interactive exercises with vision assessments. These activities combine play with vision training to help our patients have fun while improving their condition.

2. Strabismus or Eye Turn

The condition is known as strabismus when the eyes are misaligned and don't point in the same direction. It can cause double vision, depth perception issues, and even amblyopia. Treatment may include prism lenses and vision therapy exercises. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required to fully heal the condition.

3. Refractive Errors

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are common among young people and can all cause blurred vision. A child with refractive errors will have difficulty seeing objects at certain distances. The condition can be caused by abnormal eyeball anatomy issues that prevent light from refracting to create proper images. Corrective lenses can help improve vision without the need for invasive surgeries.

As you can see, young patients can experience a range of eye problems that can impact their daily lives. Early detection and seeking out a vision therapy service are crucial in preventing permanent vision loss. Parents should make sure their children have regular eye exams and seek out a reputable vision therapy service if they notice any signs of vision problems. Early detection can help correct or prevent further vision loss in young patients. If you're looking for a reliable source of vision therapy services, reach out to us at Vision & Learning Center today. We'd be happy to help!