1	Common Eye Conditions In Children
2	Visual development in children Newborn infants are able to see. As babies use their eyes during the first months of life, vision improves.
3	Visual development in children If a child cannot use his or her eyes normally, vision does not develop properly and may even decrease. An infant’s eyes may drift in or out a small amount at times, which is perfectly normal during the first few months. At two or three months of age, when a baby begins to focus on the world around him or her, the eyes should be straight nearly all the time.
4	Refractive errors To see clearly, light rays must be bent or refracted by the cornea and lens so they can focus on the retina (layer of light-sensitive cells lining the back of the eye). Retina sends image to the brain through optic nerve.
5	Refractive errors In myopia (nearsightedness), light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
6	Refractive errors With myopia, close objects will look clear, but distant objects will appear blurred.
7	Refractive errors When the body grows rapidly as a teenager, myopia may increase; frequent eyeglass changes may be necessary. After age 20 or 25, there is usually little change. Myopia can run in families. If your child has high myopia, regular eye examinations will be needed to watch for changes in the retina.
8	Refractive errors In hyperopia (farsightedness) light rays are focused behind the retina.
9	Refractive errors Most children are farsighted, yet do not experience blurry vision. With focusing (accommodation), children’s eyes are able to bend light rays and place them directly on the retina. As long as farsightedness is not too severe, hyperopic children will have clear vision for distance and near.
10	Refractive errors In astigmatism, the front of the eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball. With astigmatism, both near and far objects appear blurry. A child with myopia or hyperopia can also have astigmatism.
11	Refractive errors Eyeglasses commonly correct refractive errors that cause blurry vision by refocusing light rays onto the retina.
12	Refractive errors Some older children may be candidates for contact lenses (discuss with your ophthalmologist). There is no scientific evidence to suggest that eye exercises or vitamins can prevent or cure refractive errors.
13	Warning signs in children Children usually don’t complain about their eyesight; watch for the following signs: Any misalignment of the eyes, even if intermittent Persistent head turn A jiggle (nystagmus) in one or both eyes Unusual sensitivity to light Frequent rubbing of the eyes Redness or discharge of the eyes Tearing Squinting Droopy eyelid
14	Warning signs in children If you see these signs, speak with your pediatrician and arrange for a comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist. If you have any family history of amblyopia, strabismus, blindness, or wearing thick glasses, your child should visit an ophthalmologist.
15	Vision screening for children All children 3-3 1/2 years old should have their vision checked by pediatrician/family practitioner/individual trained in vision assessment of preschool children. Most physicians test vision as part of a child’s medical examination. Any child who fails vision screening should have a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist.
16	Vision screening for children An ophthalmologist should examine your child’s eyes earlier than age 3 if there is: Family history of strabismus (misaligned eyes) or amblyopia (“lazy eye”). Known medical condition that increases the chances of strabismus or amblyopia. No child is too young to have an eye examination.
17	Amblyopia Amblyopia: poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood; sometimes called “lazy eye.” While usually only one eye is affected by amblyopia, both eyes can be “lazy.” Best time to correct amblyopia is during infancy/early childhood.
18	Causes of amblyopia Strabismus (misaligned eyes). Unequal focus/refractive error. Cloudiness in the normally clear eye tissues.
19	Causes of amblyopia Strabismus: misaligned eye “turns off” to avoid double vision; child uses only the better-seeing eye; misaligned eye then fails to develop good vision. Common cause of amblyopia.
20	Causes of amblyopia Unequal focus/refractive error: one eye out of focus because it is more nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic (blurry) than the other. Unfocused (blurred) eye “turns off” and becomes amblyopic, although the eye will appear normal. Amblyopia may also occur in both eyes if both eyes are very blurred.
21	Causes of amblyopia Cloudiness in the normally clear eye tissues. Cataract in one or both eyes can lead to amblyopia; surgery may be necessary. Any factor that prevents a clear image from being focused inside the eye can lead to development of amblyopia.
22	Detecting amblyopia in kids Can be difficult if no obvious eye turn. Infants: amblyopia may be detected by observing baby’s reaction when one eye is covered. If forced to look with “lazy eye,” baby may cry, try to look around eye cover, or pull cover off. Older children: amblyopia may be detected by carefully measuring vision.
23	Treating amblyopia Weaker eye must be made stronger; child must be made to use the weak eye. Patching: patch placed over better-seeing eye to make child use and develop good vision in “lazy eye.” Eyedrops: Atropine placed in better-seeing eye daily to blur vision; forces the child to use “lazy eye.”
24	Treating amblyopia Glasses may be prescribed to correct focusing errors. Surgery may be needed if a cataract or other abnormality is found. Treatment for amblyopia should begin as early as possible. If amblyopia is not treated when child is young, permanent visual loss could occur. Parents have to convince their child to do what is best for their vision.
25	Strabismus Condition where eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead; other turns in, out, up or down. Eye turn may be constant or may come and go.
26	Strabismus Affects about 4% of all children in U.S. Young child’s brain learns to ignore image from misaligned eye, sees only image from straight eye. Misaligned eye may lose vision and become amblyopic (“lazy eye”).
27	Strabismus Occurs in healthy children; may be hereditary. More common among children with disorders that may affect the brain (Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and prematurity). Can be diagnosed during an eye exam.
28	Treating strabismus Treatment: straighten the eyes and restore binocular (two-eyed) vision. Prescription eyeglasses. Surgery.
29	Common types of strabismus Congenital esotropia: eyes turn inward during first six months of life. Most cases require early surgery to straighten eyes.
30	Common types of strabismus Accommodative esotropia: inward turning of the eye, occurring in children 2 years or older; when child focuses eyes to see clearly, they cross inward. Treatment options: glasses (to reduce focusing effort); bifocals; surgery.
31	Common types of strabismus Exotropia: outward turning of the eye, most often when child focuses on distant objects. May only occur occasionally, particularly when child is daydreaming, ill or tired; child may squint when out in bright sun light. Treatment options include patching an eye, glasses, eye exercises and surgery.
32	Pseudostrabismus False appearance of misaligned eyes. Usually in infants; eyes appear crossed, but are not; young children have wide flat noses, folds of skin at inner eyelid which can make eyes appear crossed. Condition often improves/disappears as infant’s facial structures mature.
33	Ptosis Drooping of the upper eyelid, either slightly or covering pupil entirely. Congenital ptosis is present at birth; often caused by poor development of muscle that lifts eyelid. Congenital ptosis usually does not improve with time.
34	Ptosis Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) can be a problem if ptosis causes astigmatism (blurring) or drooping is severe enough to block vision. Amblyopia corrected by patching, eyedrops, glasses prescription, or surgery. Ptosis can be corrected surgically.
35	Conjunctivitis Inflammation of conjunctiva–thin, filmy membrane that covers inside of eyelids and white part of eye. Most commonly referred to as red or “pink” eye.
36	Conjunctivitis Commonly a viral or bacterial infection (very contagious). Viral conjunctivitis: may have sore throat and runny nose with red, watery eyes; moist compresses may help, but generally no medicine necessary. Bacterial conjunctivitis: often red eye with pussy discharge; antibiotics generally used.
37	Conjunctivitis Can also be caused by allergies (not contagious). Allergic conjunctivitis: eye itchy, red and tearing; treatment may include cool compresses and allergy eye drops. Infectious conjunctivitis, whether viral or bacterial, can be quite contagious. Practice good hygiene to prevent spread: Avoid reusing towels after infected eye has been wiped. Wash hands frequently. Keep hands away from face and eyes. If symptoms persist, have child’s eyes examined by an ophthalmologist.
38	Chalazion Small lump on eyelid when meibomian gland becomes clogged with oil secretions. Not caused by infection. Treatment includes: Warm compress applied for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily. If bacteria infects chalazion, antibiotic may be prescribed. Surgery to drain if necessary.
39	Stye Red, sore lump near edge of eyelid caused by infected eyelash follicle. Treatment may include: Draining the abscess Antibiotics
40	Preseptal cellulitis Red, painful swelling of tissues around eye; usually occurs in one eye, which may be swollen shut. Child with preseptal cellulitis may have a fever. Usually caused by: Trauma Upper respiratory infection Associated eyelid infection Although preseptal cellulitis is generally treated with antibiotics, hospitalization may be necessary.
41	Orbital cellulitis Infection in the deeper structures behind the eye. Red, painful, swollen eye; may not be able to move the eye well. Eye may be pushed forward, and vision may be affected. Orbital cellulitis must be taken seriously; requires urgent hospitalization and antibiotic treatment.
42	Tearing in infants Abnormal or overflow tearing is common in infants; approximately 1/3 of newborns have excessive tears/mucus. Occurs when membrane in nose fails to open before birth, blocking part of tear duct (tear drainage system). Tears do not drain properly and collect inside tear drainage system; spill over eyelid, causing tearing.
43	Tearing in infants May also lead to conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Blocked tear duct often opens spontaneously 6–12 months after birth. Until tear duct opens, you may need to: Apply pressure (or massage) over lacrimal sac area. Use antibiotic eye drops or ointment for infection. Gently clean eyelids with warm water. For persistent tearing, ophthalmologist may need to surgically pass a probe through obstructed tear duct to open.
44	Eye injury–sports Many children’s eye injuries occur during sports or recreation. Ages 5-14 years, baseball is number one cause of sports-related injuries. Ages 15 to 24 years, basketball is the most common cause of eye injury (injuries caused by fingers and elbows). 90% of all eye injuries can be prevented.
45	Eye injury–sports Children should wear sports eye protectors made of polycarbonate lenses for: Baseball Basketball Football Racquet sports Soccer Hockey Lacrosse Paintball
46	Eye injury–sports Some helmets can be fitted with a polycarbonate face mask or wire shield. If your child has permanently reduced vision in one eye, consider risks of injury to the one fully-functioning eye before allowing participation in contact or racquet sports.
47	Eye injury–toys Select toys and games that are appropriate for a child’s age/responsibility level. Avoid projectile toys: Darts Bows and arrows Missile-firing toys Pellet or BB guns
48	Eye injury–household Keep all chemicals and sprays (such as oven cleaners) out of reach of small children. Do not allow children to ignite fireworks or stand near others who are doing so. Do not allow children in yard while lawnmower in use; stones and debris thrown from moving blades can cause severe eye injuries. Watch out for common household items that can cause serious eye injury: Paper clips Pencils Scissors Bungee cords Wire coat hangers Rubber bands Fish hooks
49	Eye injury–household Demonstrate good eye safety habits by always wearing protective eyewear while using power tools, rotary lawnmowers, trimmers, or while hammering. Children will learn by your example.
50	Learning disabilities Disorder in understanding or using spoken or written language. May experience problems with: Reading (dyslexia) Writing Listening Speaking Concentration Mathematical calculations Caused by the brain, not the eyes. No scientific evidence has shown that visual training, eye exercises, muscle, perceptual or hand/eye coordination exercises can improve a child’s learning disability.
51	Learning disabilities Children with learning disabilities do not have more visual problems than those without. If you or your child’s teacher suspect a learning disability, you should contact your child’s school and, if necessary, the local or state director of Special Education. Public law requires schools to evaluate any child who is thought to have a learning disability (evaluation should include a complete medical eye examination).
52	Preserve your child’s good vision with regular eye exams Infants and young children should have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist or other medical professional (pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants) at the following intervals: Newborn to 3 months 6 months to one year 3 to 3 1/2 years