Childhood eye diseases refer to eye problems occurring in individuals under the age of 18, and early diagnosis plays a critical role in the treatment of these disorders. Preserving eye health not only supports children's development but also facilitates their learning processes. With early intervention, it is possible to prevent permanent vision loss and expedite the treatment process. To ensure children take a healthy step towards the future, regular eye check-ups are necessary.
What are the most common eye diseases in children?
Eye diseases in children can be present from birth or develop due to acquired causes in later years. Some eye diseases are not present at birth but develop over time. Depending on the area they affect, eye diseases can cause serious problems in vision functions and decrease the quality of life for children.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, one of the common eye diseases in childhood, can cause permanent vision loss if not diagnosed early. In treatment, the factors causing amblyopia are eliminated first. One of the non-surgical methods, patching therapy, is generally used. In this method, the healthy eye is covered to stimulate the lazy eye and improve its vision function. Early intervention plays a critical role in the treatment of this disease.
Strabismus
Strabismus is the condition where the parallelism between the two eyes is disrupted, and it is commonly encountered in childhood. This condition can be noticed either by parents or a pediatrician. There are types of hidden strabismus that require a detailed eye examination. Strabismus needs early diagnosis as it can also lead to amblyopia.
Tear Duct Obstruction
Tear duct obstruction is frequently encountered in newborns and manifests with symptoms like discharge, watering, and mucus buildup. In the treatment, a massage technique recommended by ophthalmologists can be effective until the child is one year old. If the massage is insufficient, surgical intervention is considered.
Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataract is a serious eye disease requiring urgent treatment. It can be identified by symptoms such as the eye pupil appearing white instead of black, and immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary. This condition can result from infections during pregnancy, or due to metabolic or hereditary reasons.
Refractive Errors
Errors like myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism are among the most common vision problems in children. These conditions, often treatable with glasses, can be congenital or acquired later. Myopia, in particular, has a strong genetic link and has become more prevalent with increased use of technological devices.
Technology and Eye Health
In recent years, with increased screen exposure in children, the incidence of acquired eye diseases has risen. Prolonged exposure to devices like phones, tablets, and computers can lead to elongation of the eye's anterior-posterior axis and muscle spasms, causing issues like myopia and dry eye. Therefore, it's very important to limit screen time and not neglect regular eye check-ups for children. Early diagnosis and regular eye examinations play a critical role in preventing eye disorders in children. Families should consult an ophthalmologist when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should eye examinations be done for children?
The first eye examination in children should be performed immediately after birth as part of the newborn screening. Even if no problems are observed, follow-up examinations should be repeated at 6 months, 3 years, and before starting school. These check-ups carried out during the rapid development of vision in the first years help in the early detection of congenital or early-onset eye diseases. Children with a family history of eye diseases, those born prematurely, or suspected of strabismus may require more frequent examinations.
How can I tell if my child has an eye problem?
Children often have difficulty expressing visual problems. Therefore, parents need to be attentive. Signs such as frequently squinting, watching TV from too close, difficulty focusing on an object, frequent falls, or difficulty maintaining balance may indicate eye problems. Headaches, watery eyes, discharge, eye crossing (strabismus), and the tendency to close one eye and look with the other are also significant findings.
Does strabismus resolve on its own, or is treatment necessary?
Some types of physiological strabismus might be temporary during infancy. Treatment may be necessary in most cases of strabismus because it is not just a cosmetic issue but also a condition that directly affects visual development. Untreated, it can lead to amblyopia. The treatment plan varies depending on the cause and severity of strabismus. Methods like glasses, orthoptic exercises, prismatic lenses, or surgical intervention may be preferred.
What is the effect of technological devices on children's eye health?
Long periods spent looking at phone, tablet, and computer screens can lead to myopia, dry eyes, and focusing problems in children. To protect eye health, screen time should be limited, 20-second breaks should be taken every 20 minutes, and sunlight should be utilized. Regular eye check-ups can help in early diagnosis of issues.