Paediatric ophthalmology focuses on paediatric eye problems and their treatment. Paediatric ophthalmology helps to detect vision-related problems in children as early as possible. Eye defects, if not treated within six months of birth, may leave the child visually impaired for life.
A squint is also known as strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned in the same direction. Mostly children get impacted by squint eyes, and it can be constant or intermittent, but it can occur at any age. The squint can be present only part of the time, in one or alternating between two eyes. The squinting may turn in (converge), turn out (diverge), or sometimes turn up or down.
Congenital Squint- These children are born with a squint though it may not be obvious for few weeks. A strong family history could be present.In all children, the vision and need for spectacles have to be assessed.
Long Sightedness or Hypermetropia- As the child cannot focus well, he has to put extra effort to focus, which can cause a double vision. To avoid this, the image in one eye is suppressed unconsciously and in turn, the child avoids using that eye. If left untreated not only does the eye deviate but also becomes a lazy Eye (Amblyopia).
Childhood illnesses- Squint may also develop because of viral fever, measles, meningitis etc
Amblyopia or “lazy eye” is a neuro-developmental vision problem that occurs during infancy and early childhood. Those with amblyopia experience reduced eyesight typically in one eye, even when best corrected with glasses or contacts. Left untreated, amblyopia can affect a child’s self-image, work, school, sports, friendships and may also lead towards depression. .
1. Strabismic Amblyopia – This common form of amblyopia occurs when the eyes are misaligned, a condition known as strabismus. To avoid double vision, the brain shuts off or suppresses the weaker eye.
2. Refractive Amblyopia –This form of amblyopia occurs when one eye has significantly uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. When this happens, the brain favors the eye with better vision and shuts off or suppresses the weaker eye.
3. Deprivation Amblyopia –This form of amblyopia occurs when light is blocked from entering an eye, such as cataracts or astigmatism. As a result of the obstruction, one eye becomes weaker, and the brain favors the eye without the obstruction, turning off or suppresses the weaker eye.
vision therapy not only treats lazy eye, eye turn, or learning difficulties, but may also prevent or slow the progression of myopia.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear out of focus or blurry.
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, or the cornea and/or eye lens are too curved relative to the length of the eyeball.
Myopia can be controlled by a process known as Myopia Management.