G.G.S.I.EYE RESEARCH & CURE CENTRE
31,DEFENCE ENCLAVE VIKAS MARG, DELHI-110092
MF-6 STUTEE BUILDING,KAROL BAGH- NEW DELHI-110005
contact Dr.Hanspal S.Bhinder :+91-9911060609
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EYE CARE FOR CHILDREN
Detection of eye problems in the young child is particularly
important because there is a critical difference between the vision
system of a child and that of an adult. Young children are
susceptible
to permanent vision loss from uncorrected refractive errors,
strabismus, cataracts or other conditions that affect the quality of
the visual image
What is normal visual development?
Newborn infants are able to see, but as they use their eyes during
the
first months of life, vision improves. During early childhood years,
the visual system changes quickly and vision continues to develop.
If a child cannot use his or her eyes normally, vision does not
develop properly and may even decrease or lead to blindness. After
the
first nine years of life, the visual system is usually fully
developed
and usually cannot be changed. The development of equal vision in
both
eyes are necessary for normal vision.
Some majority of eye problems in children?
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, Amblyopia and Strabismus, Cataracts in
Children, Erratic eye movements, Refractive problem.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction or Tear Duct Blockage
Tear duct blockage is a common problem that occurs in 1 in 20
newborns.
What are the signs of tear duct obstruction ?
·        Tearing.
·        Discharge.
·        Recurrent eye infections.
What is Amblyopia or lazy eye  ?
Amblyopia or lazy eye  is poor vision in an eye that did not develop
normal sight during early childhood. When one eye develops good
vision
while the other does not, the eye with poorer vision is called
amblyopic. Usually, only one eye is affected by amblyopia.
What is the best time to correct this problem?
It is during infancy or early childhood. Parents must be aware of
this potential problem if they want to protect their child's vision.
What is strabismus?
See under topic strabismus.
Can Cataracts in Children affects vision?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's normally clear lens. For more
details (click cataract)
The degree of visual impairment caused by a cataract varies and
depends on how much of the lens is obstructed by the cataract.
Although most cataracts occur in older adults, infants and children
can also be affected. Occasionally, an infant is born with a
cataract.
Although infant cataracts may be inherited or occur as a result of a
viral infections such as German Measles contracted during pregnancy,
it is usually impossible to determine the exact cause.
Some cataracts may only partially cloud the lens and not interfere
with vision.
· Small cataracts :- Do not require treatment but should be observed
periodically.
·Moderate size cataracts :- Do interfere with vision may require
treatment with glasses or treatment for amblyopia.
·Larger cataracts :-Severely interfere with vision require immediate
cataract surgery.
 Erratic Eye Movements
Eyes that jump, dance, wiggle or oscillate back and forth is called
Nystagmus which can develops in infancy.  This condition may be
caused
by poor vision, defects in the nerve pathway from the eye to the
brain
or albinism (Light-sensitive retinas in albinos contain too little
pigment for the eyes to function properly). Nystagmus may also be
inherited. Babies with nystagmus may have normal vision or poor
vision. If your child's nystagmus persists past age three months,
consult your pediatrician. retinas in albinos contain too little
pigment for the eyes to function properly). Nystagmus may also be
inherited. Babies with nystagmus may have normal vision or poor
vision. If your child's nystagmus persists past age three months,
consult your pediatrician.
Is there any need for eyeglasses for Infants and Children?
Eyeglasses may be prescribed for infants and children to improve
vision, as well as to prevent and treat Amblyopia / Lazy Eye or eye
muscle problems. There are also three different types of focusing
problems which may require the need for corrective lenses -
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Myopia or nearsightedness is inherited and often discovered in
children when they are 9 to 12 years old. Hypermetropia or
farsightedness is caused by light entering the eye and focusing
behind
the retina. Older people who are farsighted can sees far away objects
better than those close at hand. Most children are normally a little
farsighted but have no problems seeing objects up close or at a
distance.
Astigmatism occurs when light rays enter the eye and focus at
different places on the retina. It distorts and blurs vision for both
near and far objects.
Is Motivation to wear glasses necessary?
If your child needs to wear glasses for any refractive error, getting
him involved in the glasses purchase is the best way to make sure he
wears the glasses. Explain that he needs them to see clearer, and
give
examples that he can understand like he will be able to see the words
in his books better, or will be able to play better, discussing how
lots of people he knows wear glasses, and how they see much better.
Select a few frame styles yourself, then give your child final choice
on the glasses he will wear. Make sure the frames you choose are
comfortable to wear, and fitted properly for your child. No one,
especially a child, will wear uncomfortable glasses. Before using
glasses get it checked from reputed ophthalmologist.
Is there any need for testing Vision?
It is recommended that all children have their vision checked between
ages 3 and 4. New techniques make it possible to test vision in
infants and young children. If there is a family history of
misaligned
eyes, childhood cataracts or any other eye disease, an
ophthalmologist
can check vision even earlier than age 3.
Precaution is better than cure?
Accidents resulting in eye injuries can happen to anyone. But the
fact
is, over half of the victims are under the age of 25. Many of these
injuries, occur during sports or recreational activities. Perhaps the
most startling statistic of all is that 90 percent of all eye
injuries
could have been prevented. Parents are advised to insist that their
children use protective eyewear when participating in sports or other
hazardous activities.

What are the  WARNING SIGNALS that a child's vision needs
correction ?
·    Holding a book too close
·    Losing his place while reading
·    Consistently sitting too close to the TV
·    Tilting the head to see better
·    Using a finger to follow along while reading
·    Squinting
·    Frequent eye rubbing ,when your child is not sleeping
·    Sensitivity to light
·    Excessive tearing
·    Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
·    Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
·    Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading
or                          homework,  or  distance vision, such as
participating in sports or other recreational activities
·    Getting poor marks or performance in school.
·    Poor handwriting
·    Difficulty with reading, writing or match
Routine Eye Examination should be done as per following schedule:
At Birth: to rule out any congenital eye disorders (e.g., cataract,
glaucoma, etc).
At 1 year: to rule out any developmental disorders of the eye (e.g.,
cataract, squint, retinoblastoma, etc.)
At School Admission: to rule out refractive errors (need for
spectacles), amblyopia (lazy eye), squint, etc.
Then Every 3-5 years till the age of 40 years .
Every 1-2 years after the age of 40: to detect presbyopia, glaucoma,
cataract, effects of any other disease of the body (e.g., Diabetes
Mellitus), etc.
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