Eye Diseases

What are common pediatric eye diseases?

You want your little one to be perfectly healthy, including their vision. In addition to refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (a corneal irregularity that distorts vision) there is a wide range of eye diseases and conditions that can affect their sight and eye health.  

Strabismus

Strabismus is the clinical term for eye alignment issues that you might commonly refer to as crossed eyes. Strabismus can affect either or both eyes, and it can be constant, or it may come and go. It’s often due to weakness in the muscles that control the direction and position of the eyes.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, often called a lazy eye, occurs when weakness in one eye causes the brain to ignore its visual input. This can interfere with the development of the neural pathways between the affected eye and the brain and eventually lead to blindness if left untreated.

Chalazion

A chalazion is a condition in which the eyelid swells because of a blockage in the glands of the upper or lower eyelid. It can cause a yellow discharge, and if left untreated, the swelling can obstruct your child’s vision by covering their pupil.

Blocked tear ducts

Tear duct obstructions are a common eye condition in infants. Often the membrane that covers the tear ducts doesn’t open fully when the baby is born. This causes tears to collect on the eyes, leading to both crust and discharge around the eyes as well as an increased risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Cataracts

While rare, it is possible for a baby to be born with congenital cataracts. Congenital cataracts cloud the intraocular lens. Your ophthalmologist can recommend appropriate treatment including cataract removal surgery, depending on how your baby’s vision is affected.

Glaucoma

Pediatric glaucoma is also rare, but it’s essential to have your child screened for this typically symptomless condition, especially if there’s a family history of the disease. Glaucoma interferes with the way fluid drains out of the eyeball, which can lead to increased pressure on the optic nerve. Over time, the pressure can damage the nerve and lead to blindness.

The team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists offer a comprehensive range of treatments for pediatric eye diseases and conditions including corrective lenses, medication, vision therapy, and eye surgery.

What are the signs of eye disease in children?

As your child grows, monitor them for signs of vision problems such as squinting, holding books close to their face, or complaining of headaches. Also, look for other symptoms such as discharge, white or unusual looking pupils, or a constant head tilt.

What should I do if I think there’s a problem with my child’s eyes?

If you notice any abnormalities in your child’s eyes or signs of vision problems, make an appointment at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists by calling the practice or booking online.