There are several reasons that may cause eye problems in children. Kids can suffer from various eye problems that parents cannot figure out, as there are no early signs that one can spot. A child who has a family history of childhood vision conditions is more likely to have eye problems. Read on to know some of the most common problems that are reported by children and also know their causes.
Strabismus
Strabismus affects babies and in this medical condition, the infant’s eyes appear crossed. The condition remains for the first six months of life. Major causes of Strabismus are poor eye muscle control and long-sightedness.
Also read: Common eye problems in toddlers
Amblyopia or Lazy Eye
This eye condition is more likely to be experienced by children with crossed eyes, though it may also affect those who do not see through one eye as good as the other one. The term amblyopia implies that the vision is reduced through disuse, which occurs when the brain receives two different images from either eye. The reason behind the development of amblyopia is the disruption of the normal development of vision. The vision may become poor if the underlying cause of the condition is not corrected.
Myopia or Short-sightedness
Short-sightedness is a refractive eye problem in which children can see clearly up close but not when they are far from the object. The vision can be corrected with lenses but they need to be changed from time to time as the condition is progressive in the childhood. The reason behind the eye problem is the refractive error i.e. the light rays bend incorrectly into the eye to transmit images to the brain. The eyeball is long or the cornea has too much curvature. As a result, images focus in front of the retina rather than directly on the retina.
Hyperopia or Long-sightedness
In this vision problem, the child can see the things placed at a distance but cannot see them properly if they are near to them. The reason for long-sightedness is a refractive error or when the eye is shorter than the normal size or the cornea is too flat. Those who suffer from hyperopia cannot focus on close objects and therefore, see them blurred. The exact cause of the condition is unknown but family history is considered to contribute to long-sightedness.
Also read: How to Cope with Eye ailments among Young Kids
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an eye condition in which the front of the eye (cornea) is not curved properly - the curve is irregular - flatter than the others. When light enters the eye, it does not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in a blurred image. Astigmatism may be caused by an irregularly shaped lens.
What Parents Need to Do
Eye problems can have profound effects on a kid’s academic performance, and their recreational activities may be impaired. Your child may not complain about his/her difficulty in vision. Therefore, parents must get their child's eyes examined before the age of 3 years and every 3-4 years thereafter. Regular eye examinations are important to ascertain that health conditions don’t come in the way of child’s growth and development.
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