Symptoms

Symptoms of Possible Eye Problems in Children

Choose a preferred language

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.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Eye Care
Eyelid Lacerations in Children

Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury.

Read article
Eye Care
Viral Conjunctivitis (Child)

Viral conjunctivitis is a common infection of the eye. It is very contagious. The most common symptoms include redness, discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids, and a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye.

Read article
Eye Care
Vision Problems (Child)

Vision problems affect many children. Signs of vision problems in a young child may include trouble fixing his or her gaze on an object, or following a moving object.

Read article
Eye Care
Retinoblastoma in Children

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the retina of the eye. The retina is in the back of the eye. It’s the part of the eye that receives light. Retinoblastoma is the most common tumor affecting the eye in children. It almost always occurs in children less than 5 years old.