Eye health holds a significant place in children's development processes. As vision is a fundamental sense for learning and perceiving the environment, early diagnosis of eye diseases emerging during childhood allows for the prevention of permanent damage. Symptoms of visual problems in children usually manifest as frequent blinking, continuous eye rubbing, headaches, and difficulty reading. When these symptoms are noticed, a specialist doctor should be consulted.
What Are the Common Eye Diseases in Children?
The most common eye diseases in children include:
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Strabismus
Strabismus, a condition frequently seen in children, results from the eyes not being properly aligned. It can be congenital or develop due to injury or illness. In mild cases, it may be difficult for parents to diagnose. This condition is usually noticed within the first 3 months after birth and diagnosed with an eye examination.
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Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Amblyopia is a condition that arises due to a mismatch between the eye and the brain. Children with this disorder experience poor vision and may not be able to properly express this to their families.
From birth to age 8, a child's eyes and brain make crucial connections. Factors hindering vision can affect these connections, and the brain may struggle to recognize images from the eye. In this case, the eye weakens, leading to amblyopia.
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Refractive Errors
Refractive errors include visual impairments such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These types of errors can typically be easily managed with the use of glasses.
Astigmatism is a common vision impairment due to a refraction error caused by issues in focusing light onto the eye. It changes the way light enters the eye, resulting in blurriness for both near and distant objects. It usually stems from a deformation in the cornea.
Nearsightedness, which often starts between the ages of 6 and 14, affects approximately 5% of preschool children and about 9% of school-aged children. If either parent is nearsighted, the likelihood of the child developing it is high. Nearsightedness is due to the length of the eyeball or the steepness of the cornea and impairs clear vision because the light rays fall in front of the retina.
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Diplopia (Double Vision)
Double vision, also known as diplopia, means seeing two images instead of one. This can result in duplicated or overlapping images and can cause significant visual discomfort. In children and adolescents, strabismus is the most common cause. It can be concerning for parents.
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Nystagmus (Eye Tremor)
Nystagmus, or eye tremor, refers to the condition where the eyes move uncontrollably and repetitively. While sometimes associated with other eye problems, it can occur in otherwise healthy children. Children are often unaware of this, but others may notice the eye movements. Nystagmus can be congenital or result from illness or injury.
How Is Diagnosis Made in Pediatric Eye Health?
Regular doctor check-ups are crucial for maintaining children's eye health. The doctor identifies vision problems and determines appropriate treatment. The following methods are used in the diagnosis process:
Red reflex test:
Often performed during newborn examinations, the red reflex test allows for a detailed inspection of the infant's eyes using light. A red reflection is expected when light is directed into the baby's eyes; a white reflection may indicate eye problems.
Visual object test:
Conducted for newborns, the object test determines whether the infant can focus on visual objects. An interesting object is used to capture the baby's attention, and whether the baby follows it with their eyes is observed.
Pupillary reflex test:
Using light on both of the baby’s eyes to check the response of the pupils is essential. The baby's pupils should naturally constrict in response to light; if not, there may be an issue.
Color blindness test:
A color blindness test can be used to assess children's ability to recognize colors. Charts featuring patterns made up of colored dots are particularly preferred.
Strabismus test:
The strabismus test is used to determine the parallel alignment of the eyes and whether their movements are synchronized.
When Should Eye Examination Be Conducted According to Age?
Pediatric eye health monitoring should be done regularly according to specific developmental stages, not just when a complaint arises. Eye diseases can progress without showing symptoms, and the opportunity for treatment might be delayed.
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0–1 Year: First Eye Check-Up
Eye health examinations conducted within the first 6 months to 1 year after birth help in the early diagnosis and treatment of various eye diseases. Structural issues such as congenital cataracts can be detected during this period. Additionally, other eye problems like glaucoma may be noticed early and intervened upon.
Premature infants are at high risk for retinopathy and require special eye monitoring. Issues like amblyopia and eye movement disorders can also be identified and corrected early. It is essential for infants to have their eye health routinely checked.
During the examination, the eye’s response to light, pupillary reflexes, and general eye structure are thoroughly evaluated. If there is a family history of eye problems, a more detailed retinal examination is recommended. Such assessments help identify potential problems at an early stage, allowing for necessary precautions and ensuring the child grows healthily.
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3 Years: Monitoring Eye Muscles and Visual Acuity
The age of 3 marks a period when visual functions begin to fully develop, helping you gain insights into your child’s eye health.
During check-ups, refractive errors (myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism) can be measured easily. If diagnosed early, the treatment process can be more effective, enhancing your child’s visual comfort. Disorders such as strabismus, drifting, or double vision can also be detected during these check-ups through eye muscle tests. Early intervention can prevent the progression of such issues, making treatment easier.
Visual capability is typically assessed using picture cards or symbols. Additionally, eye alignment and tracking movements are examined to check whether both eyes work harmoniously.
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Age 6 and Above: Regular School-Age Check-Ups
An eye examination for children is recommended before starting primary school, followed by annual routine check-ups. Visual impairments can directly affect a child’s academic success, so it is crucial. Especially for children who wear glasses, any change in prescription or frame compatibility should be regularly checked.
The time children spend in front of screens is increasing, which can lead to eye fatigue and focus problems.
More Frequent Checks May Be Needed for Special Conditions
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If there are genetic eye diseases in the family
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If there is a history of premature birth
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If there are neurological development delays or systemic diseases
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If a previously diagnosed eye disease is present
In these cases, more frequent examinations may be necessary as per your doctor's recommended schedule.
Treatment Methods Used in Pediatric Eye Diseases
Treatment options vary according to the diagnosis:
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Use of glasses: Effectively applied for refractive errors.
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Occlusion therapy: Often applied for lazy eye. The healthy eye is covered to stimulate the lazy eye.
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Orthoptic exercises: Special exercises to strengthen eye muscles.
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Surgical intervention: May be necessary for structural issues like strabismus.
The treatment process is personalized according to the child's age and the severity of the issue.
Recommendations for Parents to Protect Children’s Vision Health
There are some crucial points families should pay attention to in daily life to prevent eye diseases. These points are essential for preserving eye health and detecting potential problems early.
First, screen time should be limited. Children between the ages of 0-6 should use digital screens in a limited and controlled manner.
It is essential to ensure children come into contact with natural light. Outdoor play is beneficial for general health, supports visual development, and strengthens eye muscles. Vitamin D, found in sunlight, is also quite beneficial for eye health.
Paying attention to nutritional habits is also a factor that positively affects eye health. Consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and lutein contributes to eye health. Carrots, salmon, and spinach are rich sources in this regard.
Attention should also be paid to behavioral symptoms that may be seen in children. Frequent blinking, headaches, or lack of attention could be indicators of vision problems. Noticing these symptoms in a timely manner and consulting with a specialist doctor can prevent serious issues that might arise in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should be consumed for children’s eye health?
Sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals that support eye health promotes visual development and prevents eye diseases in children. Foods that should be included in children's diet for eye health are:
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Vitamin A
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Lutein and Zeaxanthin
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Vitamins C and E
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Zinc
How much screen time should children have for eye health?
Prolonged screen usage can lead to eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes, and focus difficulties in children. Recommendations regarding screen time are:
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0–2 years: Screen contact is not recommended
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2–5 years: A maximum of 1 hour total per day, under parental supervision
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6 years and above: Should not exceed a total of 2 hours daily
Do vision impairments affect children’s academic success?
Yes, a large portion of knowledge acquisition occurs through visual means, accounting for approximately 80%. Vision impairments can negatively impact this process, leading to issues such as attention deficit, difficulty reading, and learning challenges. Therefore, periodic eye examinations are crucial for academic success.
At what age should children be taken for an eye examination?
Children should undergo periodic eye examinations starting after the first examination, followed by checks at around 3-3.5 years old, at age 5, and then at 1-2 year intervals thereafter. Regularity in these check-ups is important as it helps in detecting and treating eye problems.