Symptoms of Possible Eye Problems

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 each child’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Double vision

  • Crossed eyes

  • Eyes turn in or out and don’t focus

  • Eyes are red

  • Eyes are swollen

  • Eyes are sensitive to light

  • Eyes seem to bulge

  • Eyes tear a lot

  • Drainage from the eyes

  • Squinting

  • Your child rubs their eyes a lot

  • Your child has trouble reading

  • Your child tilts their head to see

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

  • "Jiggly" or dancing eyes

  • Eyes that are too large or too small

  • Droopy eyelid

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