The eyes are one of the most important sensory organs for the development and daily life of children. Proper vision is vital for their cognitive, social and emotional development. Unfortunately, many children experience eye conditions that, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to serious consequences such as permanent vision loss.
1. Strabismus
What is strabismus?;
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align correctly when focusing on an object. This means that one or both eyes may be looking in different directions, creating problems with visual perception and vision development.
Symptoms and indications
- Diplopia or blurred vision
- Refusal to use one eye (e.g., closing or shading)
- The eyes seem to move uncoordinatedly
- Addressing difficulties in learning or reading
- Pain or discomfort in the eyes
Causes
Strabismus can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Development or structural abnormality of the eye muscles
- Abnormal visual gradient (e.g., myopia, hyperopia)
- Neurological disorders
- Inheritance
Diagnosis and treatment
Early diagnosis is made through an eye examination. Treatment may include:
- Surgical correction of the muscles
- Non-surgical options such as glasses, corrective filters or eye exercises
- The goal is proper alignment and prevention of permanent vision loss
2.Amblyopia
What is amblyopia?;
Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a condition where one or both eyes have reduced vision that is not due to organic damage to the eye, but to disturbances in visual development during childhood.
Symptoms and indications
- Vision loss in one or both eyes
- Lack of sensitivity to the difference between the two eyes
- Difficulty in reading and learning
- Children often don't realize it
Causes
The reason is often due to abnormal vision development:
- Development of refractive abnormalities (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
- Strabismus
- Congenital anomalies
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is made through regular eye examinations, even in very young children. Early treatment includes:
- Use of glasses or contact lenses
- Vision exercises and side vision therapy
- In severe cases, the use of a cap on the healthy eye to activate the lazy eye
- Early treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.
3. Hyperopia and myopia
What is hyperopia?;
Hyperopia is a refractive abnormality where the person sees blurred near and far, depending on the intensity. It is caused by a smaller than normal diameter perimeter of the eye.
What is myopia?;
Myopia is the condition where a person sees clearly near but blurred far away. It is caused by a longer than normal length of the eye or excessive curvature of the cornea.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Shaking or rubbing the eyes
- Difficulty reading or tracking objects at a distance
Treatment
- Glasses or contact lenses
- High corrections may require surgery (LASIK or PRK)
4. Astigmatism
What is astigmatism?;
Astigmatism is a refractive abnormality that causes blurred vision at all distances, due to abnormal curvature of the cornea or lens.
Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Headaches
- Difficulty in reading
Treatment
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Surgery in adults
5. Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?;
Childhood glaucoma is a rare but serious eye condition that causes increased intraocular pressure and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated in time.
Symptoms
- Bulging of the eye
- Pain in the eyes
- Blurred visibility
- Sensitivity to light
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist and the treatment includes:
- Pharmaceutical eye drops
- Surgery in severe cases
6. Waterfall
What is a cataract?;
Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which can also occur in childhood, although more often in older people.
Symptoms
- Blurred or dark vision
- Difficulty in reading
- Bright reflections
Address
Surgical removal of the cataract and replacement with an artificial lens.
7. Eye infections and inflammation
Barley, conjunctivitis and other infections
Children are prone to eye infections, such as:
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes, itching, discharge)
- Barley
- Chlamydia and other bacterial or viral infections
Symptoms
- Red eyes
- Pain or discomfort
- Secretion and itching
Treatment
- Antibiotics or antiviral eye drops
- Good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people
8. Ocular development and congenital anomalies
Congenital anomalies and disorders
Many children are born with structural abnormalities, such as:
- Binocular (double vision)
- Relaxation or loss of muscle
- Problems in the eyeball
Address
Early diagnosis and treatment through surgical or orthopaedic intervention is vital.
9. Prevention and early diagnosis
Importance of the screening test
Regular eye examinations are vital in childhood, as many problems can be treated effectively if diagnosed early.
Tips for parents
- Have regular check-ups from the age of 6 months onwards
- Watch for any signs of vision difficulty
- Encourage eye hygiene and injury prevention
- Use protective goggles in dangerous activities
Children's eye health is vital for their proper development and quality of life. The most common eye conditions in childhood, such as strabismus, amblyopia, myopia, astigmatism and others, can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. The cooperation of parents, paediatricians and ophthalmologists is crucial to keep children's vision in good condition.
Tips for parents and guardians
- Visit the eye doctor regularly
- Do you notice any changes in the children's vision or behaviour?
- Protect their eyes from injury and infection
- Strengthen healthy and good nutrition
