By Dr. Itua Enakhe (OD)
Healthy vision is fundamental to a child’s growth, learning, and development. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikeja, Lagos, we specialize in early detection and treatment of pediatric eye conditions to ensure your child thrives academically, socially, and developmentally. Learn about common childhood vision problems, their impact, and why SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja is the trusted choice for your child’s eye health.
Why Vision Care Matters for Children
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Children rely heavily on vision for learning and interacting with the world.
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Many vision problems go unnoticed because children often cannot describe their difficulties.
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Early detection and treatment are critical, especially for conditions like amblyopia, to prevent permanent vision loss.
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Good eye health boosts confidence, academic success, and overall development.
Common Pediatric Vision Problems
1. Refractive Errors
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Includes myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
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Symptoms: squinting, holding objects close, blurry vision when reading or watching TV.
2. Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
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Eyes may turn inward, outward, up, or down and not move in unison.
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Symptoms: difficulty focusing, head tilting, eyes not aligned.
3. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
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One eye is weaker due to untreated refractive errors or strabismus.
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Symptoms: poor vision in one eye, eye wandering, poor depth perception.
4. Convergence Insufficiency
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Difficulty focusing on close objects, often affecting reading.
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Symptoms: headaches, eye strain, double vision, avoiding close-up tasks.
5. Blocked Tear Ducts (Common in Infants)
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Causes excessive tearing and possible infections.
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Symptoms: constant tearing, redness, crusting around eyelids.
Impact of Undetected Vision Problems in Children
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Academic Struggles: Difficulty seeing the board or focusing on assignments.
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Behavioral Issues: Misunderstood as inattentiveness but caused by vision difficulties.
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Low Self-Esteem: Struggling with vision-related tasks can affect confidence.
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Delayed Development: Vision is essential for coordination and cognitive growth.
Why Choose SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja for Pediatric Eye Care?
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Child-Friendly Environment
Calm and welcoming space designed to put children and parents at ease. -
Expert Pediatric Optometrists
Specialists trained in child eye care with tailored techniques and equipment. -
Comprehensive Vision Testing
Advanced tests that detect subtle vision and eye-health problems early. -
State-of-the-Art Technology
Modern diagnostic tools guaranteeing precise examination and diagnosis. -
Customized Treatment Plans
Personalized care including glasses, patch therapy, or referrals for surgery. -
Parental Education
We guide parents on supporting their child’s vision health at home.
Tips for Maintaining Your Child’s Eye Health
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Encourage Outdoor Play: Reduces the risk of myopia and promotes healthy visual development.
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Limit Screen Time: Practice the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
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Provide a Balanced Diet: Include vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids through fruits, vegetables, and fish.
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Protect Their Eyes: Use protective eyewear for sports and sunglasses for UV protection.
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Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Early and routine exams help catch problems before symptoms emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should my child first visit an eye clinic?
The Optometric Association recommends exams at 6 months, age 3, and before starting school.
Can vision problems affect my child's learning?
Yes, undetected issues can seriously impact academic performance and development.
How do you make children comfortable during exams?
We create a friendly environment and use specialized techniques to keep kids relaxed and engaged.
What treatments are available for children with vision problems?
Treatment ranges from glasses, eye patches for amblyopia, vision therapy, to specialist referrals if needed.
📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja
Ile-Oja Mall, Opebi Link Road, Ikeja.
📞0703 839 1197