Protect Your Child’s Eyesight: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Vision Issues in Children

Helping Your Child’s Vision at Eye Surgeons Associates

Children rely heavily on their vision to learn, play, and engage with the world. That’s why early identification and treatment of common visual problems in children are essential. At Eye Surgeons Associates, our board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for children of all ages, with the support of a skilled clinical team.

While our pediatric ophthalmologist is the only specialist who sees children, our optometrists perform routine pediatric eye exams and refer patients to the specialist when advanced care is needed. This collaborative approach ensures that each child receives timely and appropriate treatment tailored to their needs.

We provide pediatric eye care services at both our Bettendorf and Rock Island clinics, making it convenient for families in the region to access expert care.

Early Signs of Vision Problems in Children

Common signs that your child is experiencing a vision issue include frequent squinting, excessive eye rubbing, complaints of blurry or double vision, and trouble maintaining eye contact. Some children may tilt their heads when reading, avoid activities that require near vision, or show signs of poor hand-eye coordination. These symptoms often point to underlying pediatric eye conditions that require evaluation by a trusted pediatric ophthalmologist.

Our clinic is equipped to handle everything from routine pediatric eye exams to managing complex visual disorders. Early intervention can have a significant impact on your child’s academic performance and overall development. If your child shows any signs of visual difficulty, you can schedule an eye exam at either our Bettendorf or Rock Island location.

Common Pediatric Eye Conditions We Treat

At Eye Surgeons Associates, we diagnose and treat a variety of pediatric eye conditions. Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye,” occurs when one eye develops better vision than the other, leading the brain to favor the stronger eye. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss. Another frequent issue is strabismus, or eye misalignment, where one or both eyes turn inward or outward. This condition can interfere with depth perception and may require glasses, patching therapy, or surgery.

Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, are also common in children. These issues can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses. If your child has frequent prescription changes for nearsightedness, we also provide myopia management to slow the progression. Children may sometimes suffer from congenital cataracts or blocked tear ducts, which require specialized care from an experienced pediatric ophthalmologist.

Pediatric Eye Care at Eye Surgeons Associates

Our pediatric eye care team, led by our board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist, works closely with families to create individualized care plans. We ensure children feel comfortable during exams and that parents are fully informed throughout the process.

With locations in Bettendorf and Rock Island, we are proud to offer accessible, expert pediatric eye care throughout the region.

To learn more about our pediatric eye care services or to schedule an appointment, visit our Pediatric Ophthalmology page or call our office today. Early detection and professional care can make a lasting difference in preserving your child’s sight.