Maintaining eye health in children is of utmost importance as it can hamper their academic performance and learning abilities. If eye problems are detected early, it can save your child from a lifelong struggle with eye issues. We spoke to Dr Rishi Raj Borah, County Director - India, Orbis, who listed ten common eye problems in children and their solutions.
Common Eye Problems In Children
Blocked Tear Duct
Dr Borah said, “Blocked tear ducts are a common sight in newborns due to which tears cannot drain properly. Normally, the problem gets better on its own during the first year of life. However, surgical intervention might be needed in some cases.”
Sleeping with eyes open
Parents may often be worried to see their baby sleeping with eyes open. Dr Borah informed, “In most cases, there is nothing to worry about unless it is followed by any unusual symptoms. However, one can consider using a humidifier as oftentimes the eyes may dry out due to being open for prolonged periods.”
Cataract
Dr Borah said, “Clouding of the eye lens leads to a condition called cataract. This affects the vision and if not treated timely leads to irreversible blindness. The treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected portion of the eye lens followed by replacement with an artificial lens.”
Also Read: Beware Of Post-Cataract Surgery Infections: Expert Shares Tips To Follow
Lazy eye
This happens when one eye has significantly better vision than the other due to poor visual development. The weaker eye lags and drifts inward or outward over time. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if this condition is left untreated, it can further lead to a condition called amblyopia, where the misaligned eye has reduced vision
Dr Borah added, “Using an eye patch on the stronger eye is a simple and cost-effective treatment for lazy eye. An eye doctor will be able to guide you on how long to keep the eye patch on.”
Myopia
Myopia is the most common refractive error that affects children. Here, a child can see close objects clearly but has difficulty focusing on distant ones. Headaches and eye strain often accompany myopia. Its treatment usually involves the use of corrective eyeglasses.
Eye fatigue
Excessive usage of smartphones and computers in children often results in eye fatigue. An easy-to-use technique to break this cycle of uninterrupted screen use is to follow the 20-20-20 rule which encourages looking away at something 20 feet away after every 20 minutes of screen time for 20 seconds.
Pink eye
Also known as conjunctivitis, this eye condition results from inflammation in the outer membrane of the eye caused due to a virus, bacteria, or allergen. Depending on the causing agent, an ophthalmologist prescribes the treatment which can include eye drops, antihistamines, or antibiotics.
Also Read: All About Eye Flu: Expert Debunks Myths About This Condition
Stye
Dr Borah said, “A stye is a painful bump that occurs on the edge of the eyelid. This occurs when bacteria invade the oil-producing gland in the eyelids. The pain can be reduced by using a warm compress for a few minutes at regular intervals. While a stye usually subsidies on its own, one should consult an ophthalmologist if it persists for more than a week.”
Eye injury
It is common for children to experience eye injuries when indulging in sports activities. The best way to address an eye injury is to seek immediate medical help from an ophthalmologist so that timely and proper treatment is given.
Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity, often known as photophobia, is an excessive sensitivity to bright light in the eyes. Dr Borah added, “Using protective eyewear when stepping out and adjusting the light when indoors helps reduce the discomfort. Sometimes light sensitivity may result due to a medical condition. Therefore, treatment depends on curing the underlying issue.”
Bottomline
Dr Borah concluded, “By being vigilant for signs of common eye problems and seeking timely medical intervention, parents and caregivers can ensure that children's vision is nurtured and protected. Regular eye check-ups, maintaining good eye hygiene, and adhering to medical recommendations are essential steps toward safeguarding the precious gift of sight for the younger generation.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert if your child experiences any discomfort in the eye.]
