You are aware of the importance of your eyes in your life. They help you to gather all the visual information in your brain. This visual data is conveyed through the optic nerve to the brain and processed inside it and this results in seeing different images. You can see the bright colors that the universe has to offer you. 

But have you ever wondered about how your child would feel if they are deprived of such simple pleasures only because of some underlying eye conditions?

In today's era, there is a growing concern about eye conditions in children due to environmental factors, diet, and overexposure to screens. These factors are affecting their ability to perform everyday activities such as reading, playing, writing, etc.

You can save your child from such unpleasant situations by watching out for some common eye conditions and getting their diagnosis and treatment done at an early stage. 

Below are the 6 common eye conditions in children

Amblyopia 

Is also known as lazy eyes. There is reduced vision in one eye and the brain fails to process inputs from that eye. It is mainly caused due to an imbalance in the muscles that position the eyes.

You should look out for these symptoms in your child such as

  • Squinting (shutting an eye)
  • Head tilting
  • Eye wandering
  • Misalignment of the eyes
  • Double vision

It is very important to detect these symptoms as early as possible, ideally before the age of six to seven. Quickly consult an ophthalmologist to prevent permanent vision loss in the affected eye for suitable treatment which may include patching or blurring the stronger eye, corrective lenses, or vision therapy.

Pink Eye

It is also known as conjunctivitis. The white part of the eye turns red predominantly due to an infection, irritation, or allergy. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

  • Pink or red color eyes
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin and clear membrane that protects your eye)
  • Frequent tear production

To give your child an appropriate treatment, reach out to an ophthalmologist. They can suggest ointment or anti-allergy medicine, antibiotic eye drops, or lubricating eye drops for quick recovery of the eyes.

Chalazion 

Sometimes you may notice a small red bump on the upper or lower eyelid of your child. It may be due to an eye condition known as chalazion. It is mainly caused because of obstruction of a tiny oil gland in the eyes. Symptoms may include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Painless bump in the eyelid
  • Blurred vision

Your child may be more likely to touch and rub their eyes which can worsen this condition affecting their vision. If their condition does not get resolved within a month, reach out to an ophthalmologist for appropriate treatment which can include eye drops, warm compress, surgical drainage, or removal.

Astigmatism, Farsightedness, and Nearsightedness 

At first glance, these terms can seem to be a bit daunting to understand. Here we simplify them for you 

  • Nearsightedness (myopia): Your child is able to see close objects clearly but faces difficulty to see distant objects.
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia): Your child is able to see distant objects clearly but faces difficulty to see close objects.
  • Astigmatism: In this, the curvature of the eyes is imperfect which leads to blurry vision.

To prevent your child from such conditions, reach out to an ophthalmologist for appropriate measures such as prescribed glasses or lenses.

Strabismus 

This is an eye condition where eyes are not properly aligned with each other. In simple terms, both eyes are unable to look at the same place at the same time (Cross eyes in layman’s language). This is caused due to failure of the eye muscles to work together. Symptoms may include:

  • Misalignment of the eyes
  • Double vision 
  • Eyes do not move together
  • Constant blinking or squinting

As soon as you notice these symptoms in your child, reach out to an ophthalmologist for appropriate measures such as eye patches, exercises, glasses, etc. 

Pediatric Cataract

Yes! You heard it right, geriatrics are not the only ones affected by cataracts. Children too can fall victim to this condition. The causes can be genetic, infection, or an eye injury after birth. Symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Wobbling eyes
  • Cloudiness in the eyes

It is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. Consult an ophthalmologist as soon as you notice these symptoms in your child to provide them with the right treatment such as surgical removal of the cloudy lenses with long-term use of glasses or contact lenses.

Prevention is better than cure. Get regular eye checkups for your child right from the age of six months. This will ensure early detection of eye conditions and your child can receive appropriate treatment at the right time. 

Give your child the gift of healthy eye vision by advising them to take care of their own eyes. Teach them to limit screen time, and eat a healthy diet that increases their vision such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, eggs, and green leafy vegetables. This way they can save themselves from future eye conditions.

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