Introduction
Many eye problems can affect the vision of children as they grow, so parents must be observant of any signs of eye conditions that children might exhibit. Early detection or diagnosis is crucial to ensure that the right treatment is done with the help of pediatric ophthalmologists.
Common Eye Conditions Among Children
There are different eye problems that children can develop. They can affect how the eyes look, how they function, and how clear the child’s vision is.
Refractive Errors
It is normal for young children to have a low degree of refractive error, but they do not necessarily need to wear glasses because their vision can change rapidly as they grow. However, if the changes in vision make it difficult for the child to perform daily activities, like reading the blackboard in school or playing sports, your child may need corrective lenses for vision improvement.
There are different types of refractive errors, and the most common ones that affect children are:
- Astigmatism – This condition is characterized by blurry vision at distance and near. It is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
- Nearsightedness – Also called myopia, nearsightedness can make faraway objects seem blurry. It usually happens when the child’s eyeball is longer than usual.
- Farsightedness – This is also called hyperopia, and it is caused by an eyeball that is shorter than usual. It is usually found in very young children. Low degrees of farsightedness in children usually do not require glasses because the autofocusing (accommodation) in children is quite strong.
Most children think that whatever vision they currently have is normal, so it is important for parents to look for warning signs like squinting and frequent headaches. It is also important to note if the child’s eyes turn inward or outward. If you notice your son or daughter experiencing any of these, bring them to the nearest eye clinic. The only way to get a proper diagnosis is through an eye exam facilitated by a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Children with refractive errors can get prescription lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses) to help correct their vision. Orthokeratology or ortho-k is an option, too, and it involves wearing special contact lenses at night during sleep to temporarily alter the shape of the cornea. In the morning, they can see clearly without having to use their glasses or contact lenses.
Once kids reach 18 years old and have stable eye grade (refraction), they may be qualified to undergo surgery, which is a more permanent form of treatment. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK), or implantable collamer lenses (ICL) surgery are viable options for those who no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Pink Eye
The clinical name for this condition is conjunctivitis, and it is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane on a person’s eyelid and eyeball. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva can become swollen and visible, making the white part of the eye turn reddish or pinkish, thus the term “pink eye.”
Conjunctivitis can happen to anyone, but it is quite common among children and babies. It is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction to certain stimulants. For newborn babies, pink eye can happen if their tear ducts are blocked, so visiting a pediatric ophthalmologist is crucial to prevent the problem from getting worse.
In many cases, vision may not be affected by conjunctivitis that is caused by infection or allergic reaction. However, it can still irritate the eye and cause an itchy feeling or a foreign body sensation. Seeking professional help is still advisable to prevent the spread of the infection to members of the same household.
Treatment for pink eye depends on its cause. Viral conjunctivitis may require antiviral medication prescribed by an eye doctor. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibacterial eye drops or ointments might be necessary, depending on the doctor’s prescription. Treating pink eye caused by allergies might entail taking an antihistamine in the form of eye drops.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) is characterized by misaligned eyes that cannot work together to send a single image to the brain. When the eyes do not work together, it may lead to headaches, blurry vision, and balance problems, symptoms that can significantly impact the child’s daily life.
If your child exhibits symptoms of BVD, set an appointment with a pediatric eye doctor immediately. There are a few ways to treat this condition, including wearing prism lenses and undergoing vision therapy.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is a fairly common eye condition that can affect children. It is also known as “lazy eye.” In many cases, it happens when one of the eyes is stronger than the other. Over time, the brain will rely on the images sent by the preferred eye, so vision in the other eye gets weaker until the brain completely ignores any visual information coming from that eye.
Early diagnosis is crucial for the condition to be treated. If you think your child has amblyopia, bring them to an ophthalmologist for early and appropriate treatment. Amblyopia can cause impaired depth perception and other permanent vision problems if left untreated.
Strabismus
This condition is characterized by misaligned eyes, causing one or both eyes to deviate or turn in different directions. It is typically caused by a problem in the muscles that control eye movement. In some cases, it results from other problems, such as uncorrected refractive errors, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, or a brain tumor.
Strabismus becomes noticeable at an early age, sometimes even during infancy. A visit to the doctor is recommended if you notice your kid exhibiting signs of strabismus. Without the help of professionals, your child might experience headaches, double vision, and lack of depth perception as they grow.
Find a Pediatric Ophthalmologist Near You
Apart from the ones listed above, many other eye conditions can affect children. If you think your son or daughter may have one, bring them to a pediatric eye doctor right away. Early detection of eye problems is crucial to manage their condition.
You can find trusted pediatric ophthalmologists at Asian Eye Institute. Our eye care facility can cater to your child’s needs through specialists who use modern equipment to properly diagnose their condition.
Asian Eye Institute has several locations in Metro Manila. Simply find the branch closest to you and schedule an appointment by filling out our online form. Our customer communications team will be more than happy to assist you with your concerns.
Conclusion
A proper diagnosis is necessary for your child to get the right treatment for their eye condition. This is why it is crucial for you to bring them to a trusted eye center that can cater to their specific needs. Asian Eye Institute is here to help.
We have experienced pediatric ophthalmologists and a pediatric optometrist who can diagnose your child’s eye problem and provide you with options on how it can be treated or managed. All you have to do is schedule a consultation with us.
For questions about our eye care services, do not hesitate to send us a message today.
