Your child might be closing one eye as a way to help their eyes work together, and this could be a sign of strabismus.
Understanding Why Children Close One Eye
When children close one eye, it often indicates that they are having trouble with binocular vision—the ability of both eyes to work together to create a single, clear image. This can sometimes be a sign of a condition called strabismus, where the eyes do not align properly.
Here's a breakdown of what might be happening:
- Strabismus: According to the reference, closing one eye or tilting the head may be your child’s way of getting both eyes to work together, which can indicate strabismus. In strabismus, one eye might turn in, out, up, or down. This misalignment can make it difficult for the brain to process the visual information from both eyes simultaneously, causing double vision or blurred vision.
- Compensatory Mechanism: Closing one eye is often a way for the child to eliminate double vision by only using one eye at a time. By shutting off one eye, the brain no longer receives conflicting information from both eyes, resulting in clearer vision.
- Visual Fatigue: In some cases, eye strain or fatigue might cause a child to close one eye. This could be due to excessive screen time, reading for long periods, or other activities that require focused visual attention.
What to Do if You Notice Your Child Closing One Eye
It is important to monitor the behaviour and seek professional advice if it persists:
- Observe: Note how often your child closes one eye, in what situations it occurs, and whether it is always the same eye.
- Consult: If you are noticing your child closing one eye regularly, consult with your child's pediatrician. A vision screening can determine if your child has any eye problems that need to be addressed.
- Pediatrician, Nurse, Teacher: As the provided reference mentions, a pediatrician, school nurse, or teacher may notice these signs too. It is beneficial to communicate with them.
- Eye Exam: A comprehensive eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat the problem with strategies such as glasses, eye patching, eye exercises, or surgery.
Summary
| Symptom | Possible Reason | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Closing one eye | Strabismus, compensatory mechanism, visual fatigue | Consult a pediatrician or eye specialist for assessment |
| Tilting head when looking at object | Possible sign of strabismus | Monitor and consult a professional for assessment |
In conclusion, if your child is frequently closing one eye, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any underlying vision issues. This behavior can be a sign of strabismus, and early diagnosis and intervention can help improve their vision and prevent further complications.
