Children’s eyes need early attention

Several hidden eye problems can be detected and prevented vision, or a lazy eye. Children with a refractive error in only one Childhood Glaucoma as early as birth. Furthermore, a routine eye examination from eye may never complain of reduced vision so a vision test is This rare condition in children age 4 onwards is recommended for all children. ideally recommended from age 4. If parents or close family occurs when increased eye members have glasses since childhood, their children have pressure results in large eyes, a higher chance of needing glasses too. optic nerve damage and clouding of the cornea. It a potentially blinding condition and must be 1 Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) treated immediately. Depending on the condition, childhood Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops or surgery. This is poorly developed vision COMMON EYE PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN in one eye at an early age due to ‘lack of stimulation’ of that eye. Childhood Cataract The Children’s Eye Clinic at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Khar treats This clouding of the lens of the eye the most common eye problems in children: It aects 1-3.5 % of children and can occur due to: is responsible for 10% of blindness • Squint in children. Squint • Uncorrected refractive error This condition is when one eye • Droopy eyelid Childhood Cataract can be caused by: is straight and the other is turned • Congenital (Idiopathic) away. A squint is not just a cosmetic • Cloudy eye (corneal opacity) problem, but can lead to • Cataract • Infections (e.g. Rubella) a permanent reduction in vision in the lazy eye. Conventional treatments like glasses and patching are usually • Metabolic diseases (e.g. Galactosaemia) Sometimes, a squint can be detected at birth. And contrary eective only till age 7-9. This is a silent condition and can only • Steroid intake to common belief, a squint will not go away by itself, be detected with an eye examination. Both these reasons make This condition must be treated as early as possible with surgery. it needs to be treated as early as possible. it critical to treat a lazy eye as early as possible. In fact, cataracts present at birth are best treated before A squint can be treated in any of the following ways: 6 weeks of age. • Glasses Droopy eyelid (Ptosis) • Patching Whether complete or partial, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) • Fusion exercises Ptosis is not just a cosmetic This is an abnormal vessel formation in the retina that occurs • Surgery problem. If the lid obstructs the in preterm babies (under 34 weeks or 1.5 kg birth weight). vision, it can cause permanent • Botulinum toxin injection (Botox) A dilated eye examination at 4-6 weeks after birth must be reduced vision or a lazy eye. Children with a droopy eyelid conducted and depending on the severity, either a laser should be checked as early as age one for refractive errors, treatment or regular monitoring is needed. Preterm children Refractive errors and fitted with glasses if needed. A complete droopy eyelid have a higher incidence of squints and refractive errors, and may need surgery. should have a routine eye examination before age 4.

Watery or Sticky Eye in Newborns We also treat conditions like: This usually occurs due to • Childhood Orbital conditions (Proptosis) a blocked tear (Nasolacrimal) duct. Myopia Hypermetropia Astigmatism • Eye problems related to learning disabilities Glaucoma and FB may be the other and neurologically challenged children 10-12 % of children are aected by reduced vision due to the rare causes of watering at this age optics of the eye being out of focus. Myopia (Near Sightedness) , and must be ruled out first. Although 90% of blocked tear ducts • Genetic eye conditions Hypermetropia (Far Sightedness) and Astigmatism are common spontaneously recover by age one, if this does not rectify on its • Blocked tear ducts (NLD Obstruction) refractive errors and should be treated as early as possible with own, watery and sticky eyes should be treated with a massage • Corneal transplant in children glasses or contact lenses. This helps prevent further loss of or probing (surgery). • Artificial eyes and contact lenses • Low vision aids (telescopes and magnifying glass) HHS_PIL_Pediatric Ophthalmology_front Artwork@100% Size: 148.5mm(w) x 210mm(h) Paper: Influence 210gsm

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SYMPTOMS

Your child will benefit from an eye assessment by our Paediatric Ophthalmologist if he or she experiences any of the above conditions, or has: Diculty in focusing or concentrating in class A problem performing up to his potential Regular headaches A diagnosis of mental retardation A diagnosis of learning disability Severely reduced vision A family history of wearing glasses Problems seeing in the dark The need to look at objects at a very close distance

Book an appointment at the earliest and give your child the chance of perfect vision.

Your Neighbourhood Hospital ing Road ark P Link Madhu . Road V S. har Station K 11th Road

P. D. Hinduja Marg elephone change T Ex har K 3 1 . 9 0 . 6 2

11th Road, Khar (W), Mumbai-400 052. • For Appointments: 022 4510 8989 / 6154 8989 For Emergency: 022 2646 9911 / 6174 6099 • www.hindujahospital.com/khar