| Treating
Pediatric Eye Problems |
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|
| Watering
of the eyes in the early months of life
The most common cause of watering in the
first six months is due to dacryocystitis,
which is caused by obstruction of the
normal passage of tears from the eye into
the nose, which can be treated with antibiotic
drops on ophthalmologist’s advice.
If required, probing can be done to dilate
the tear duct (opening of the passage
) and clear out any blockage in this passage
(nasolacrimal ) by irrigating the passage
with antibiotic solutions.
|
 Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the surface of the eye
is known as conjunctivitis. In children
it can be due to bacterial or viral infection.
It can be treated with antibiotic drops.
If the cause is allergy, it can be treated
with anti-allergy drops combined with
antibiotic and short-term use of topical
steroid if required. If required, oral
(antihistamine) syrups/tablets may be
given. Avoiding exposure to those things
one is allergic to may prevent allergic
conjunctivitis.
|
Stye
It is an infection of the eyelash hair
follicle (root). It causes pain and swelling
of the eyelids. It is treated with oral
medications (antibiotics) and hot compresses
over the effected eyelids. It usually
clears in 2-3 days.
|
Chalazion
It is an infected swelling (cyst) situated
within the eyelids. It may be tender or
can be painless. It may reduce in size
by using hot compresses and eyelid massage.
However surgical treatment is required
in some cases. It can be prevented by
maintaining good cleanliness of the eyelids
and thorough make-up removal.
|
 Eye
Trauma
If a child is playing with any sharp instrument
like pencils, pen, knife, bow & arrows
one should be careful that it does not
hurt/injure the eyes as it can be very
dangerous & may cause perforation
of the eye and loss of vision. It may
require an urgent ophthalmic evaluation.
|
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that
did not develop normal sight during early
childhood. It is sometimes called "lazy
eye.” The eye with poorer vision
is called amblyopic. Usually, only one
eye is affected. The condition is common,
affecting approximately 4 out of every
100 people. Amblyopia can be corrected
only if treated during infancy or early
childhood. Parents must be alert to this
visual threat if their child is to see
properly as an adult. It is recommended
that all children have their vision checked
by their family physician, pediatrician,
or ophthalmologist at or before age three.
If there is a family history of crossed
eyes, childhood cataracts or other serious
eye disease, vision can be checked even
earlier.
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Causes
and Symptoms
Amblyopia is caused by any condition that
prevents normal use of the eyes and visual
development. There are three major caused
of amblyopia: |
 |
Strabismus
(misaligned eyes) |
|
Unequal
Focus (refractive error) |
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Cloudiness
in the normally clear eye tissues |
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|
| Amblyopia
occurs most commonly with misaligned eyes
such as crossed eyes. The crossed eye "turns
off" to avoid double vision, becomes
lazy or amblyopic, and the child prefers
the better eye. |
 Strabismus
Strabismus, often referred to as "crossed
eyes," is the term used to describe
any condition in which the eyes are not
straight - whether one eye turns or wanders
in or out, or up or down. Strabismus may
be present all the time, or it may only
appear when a child is tired, ill, or
concentrating on nearby objects. It may
start at birth, or it may not show up
until later in childhood or even in adult
life. If the condition is present beyond
4 months of age, prompt medical attention
by a pediatric ophthalmologist is required.
|
Fortunately,
it is never too early to have a child's
eyes examined thoroughly by an eye doctor.
Even infants can be tested successfully,
but if you wait until your child enters
school, it may be too late to correct
strabismus or amblyopia. Remember, because
most cases of strabismus and amblyopia
can be treated successfully if diagnosed
early! |
Congenital
cataract
Congenital cataract is the one the baby
is born with. German measles (viral infection)
can cause it if this virus affects the
mother during pregnancy. It needs urgent
ophthalmic evaluation and can be treated
surgically if required. |
