Dr Dimple Rohit Pradhan
Specialist – Ophthalmology
Healthspring World Clinic
There are many eye conditions and diseases that can affect a child’s vision. Refractive errors are one of the most common causes of blurred vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to a child’s eye. Common refractive errors in children are as follows:
Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
It is also called “Lazy eye”. It is a term which is used in case of poor vision in an eye that has not developed normal sight.
It is the most common cause of vision problem in children.
Amblyopia normally affects only one eye, however it is possible to be amblyopic in both eyes.
Detecting the condition in early years increases the chance of successful treatment, especially if it is detected before the age of five.
Myopia (nearsightedness)
In this condition close objects look clear but distant objects appears blurred.
In myopia light entering the eye is focused incorrectly, making distant objects appear blurred.
It is commonly seen in children.
They complain of not seeing blackboard clearly.
It could cause eyestrain and headaches.
Appropriate ophthalmic examination is needed with complete refraction test.
Recommended glasses worn properly would clear the image and ease symptoms.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
It is also called longsightedness. It is a defect of vision caused by imperfection in the eye, causing difficulty in focusing on near objects.
It is often present from birth, as age progresses glasses will be required to correct the vision.
It may be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being too weak.
It could cause aching eyes, blurred vision, eyestrain, headaches, especially while reading.
Good vision is key to child’s physical development.
Regular screening of children should be done.
If problems are detected early, it is possible to treat them effectively. That is why it is essentially to examine children’s eyes when they are born and again during infancy, preschool and then during school years on a regular basis.
