The well-being of a child's eyesight is of paramount importance. By being vigilant for signs of common eye problems and seeking timely medical intervention, parents and caregivers can ensure that children's vision is nurtured and protected. Regular eye check-ups, maintaining good eye hygiene, and adhering to medical recommendations are essential steps for safeguarding the precious gift of sight. Here are some of the prevalent eye conditions among children to look out for.
Blocked tear duct
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director – India, Orbis says, “Blocked tear ducts are a common sight in newborns due to which tears cannot drain properly. The condition usually resolves on its own during the first year of life. However, surgical intervention may be needed in some cases.”
Sleeping with eyes open
Parents may often be perturbed to see their infant sleeping with eyes open. In most cases, it is not a concerning condition unless it is followed by any unusual symptoms. However, one can consider using a humidifier in the room as often the eyes may dry up due to being open for prolonged periods.
Cataract
Clouding of the eye lens leads to a condition called cataract. This affects the vision and if not treated timely, can lead to irreversible blindness. The treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected portion of the lens followed by replacement with an artificial lens.
Amblyopia
According to Dr. Borah, “This is also known as lazy eye. This happens when one eye has significantly better vision than the other due to poor visual development and signaling to the brain. Over time, the weaker eye lags and wanders inward or outward, problems in vision and depth perception. Using an eye patch on the non-amblyopic eye to strengthen the amblyopic eye is a common treatment for lazy eye.”
Myopia
It is the most common refractive error that affects children. Here, a child can clearly see the objects closer to her/him but has difficulty focusing on objects placed at a distance. Headaches and eye strain often accompany myopia. With increasing screen time among children, the prevalence of myopia is also increasing. Treatment usually involves the use of corrective spectacles.
Eye fatigue
Excessive usage of smartphones and computers often results in eye fatigue. An easy way around it is to interrupt screen time by following the 20-20-20 rule which encourages looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, after every 20 minutes of work.
Pink eye
“Also known as conjunctivitis, this eye condition is caused due to inflammation in the outer membrane of the eye caused due to a virus, bacteria, or allergen. Depending on the causal agent, an ophthalmologist may prescribe the treatment which can include lubricants, antihistamines, or antibiotics,” says Dr. Borah.
Stye
A stye is a painful bump that occurs on the edge of the eyelid. This happens when the oil-producing gland in the eyelids becomes infected with bacteria. Using a warm compress for a few minutes at regular intervals helps relieve the pain. While a stye usually subsides on its own, one should consult an ophthalmologist if it persists for more than a few days.
Eye injury
Eye injuries can occur anywhere and anytime, for instance during sports activities, or while using sharp instruments. The best way to address an eye injury is to seek immediate medical advice from an ophthalmologist so that timely and proper treatment is delivered.
Light sensitivity
Also known as photophobia, light sensitivity makes the eyes overly sensitive to bright light. Using protective eyewear when stepping out and adjusting the light when indoors helps reduce the discomfort. Light sensitivity can also be due to an underlying condition.
Poor eye health and visual impairment can act as a barrier to children pursuing education and leading a fulfilling life. This often leads to social exclusion, low productivity, lesser opportunities in life and may push individuals into the vicious cycle of poverty. Therefore, regular eye check-ups are important for early identification and treatment of eye conditions.
