Children's Eye Care:
What Every Parent Should Know
BY michael r. redmond, md
FAMILYHEALTH Most children have healthy, normal eyes but a few babies are born with serious eye diseases or disorders, some of which may not be obvious to you.
In most cases, these problems can be identified - and treated - even during the first few days of life. But without early intervention, usually before age 5, a child with an untreated eye problem may suffer from serious vision loss or even blindness.
"Early detection of eye problems greatly increases the chances that treatment will be successful and your child will develop normal vision," said Dr. Jean Ramsey, a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist at Boston Medical Center. "A vision screening should be done when your child visits the pediatrician, family physician, or other primary care provider. If your child is identified as possibly having a problem, he or she will then be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Your young child might not be able to tell you if he or she has an eye problem, but parents are usually the first to recognize the signs of eye disease in their children. Some signs to look for include:
"Early detection of eye problems greatly increases the chances that treatment will be successful and your child will develop normal vision," said Dr. Jean Ramsey, a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist at Boston Medical Center. "A vision screening should be done when your child visits the pediatrician, family physician, or other primary care provider." Call your doctor immediately if you notice…
• A white pupil - May indicate cataract, tumor, inflammation, or detached retina
• Large cornea in one or both eyes - This may be a sign of glaucoma in the infant, especially when the child's eye waters and avoids light
Notify your doctor within days or weeks if you notice…
• Lump, swelling or drooping of lid - May be an inflammation or may indicate muscle weakness or tumor causing blockage of vision
• Tearing, discharge or redness- A sign of infection or tear duct blockage
• Eye turns inward or outward - An eye turned in or out might lead to loss of vision
• Eyes jiggle or rotate; baby does not look at you - A sign of disease of the nervous system anywhere between the eyes and the brain
• One pupil is larger than the other - Called anisocoria, different sized pupils may be normal but may also indicate problems with the eyes or elsewhere in the body
Tell your doctor, at your next visit, if you notice…
• Head tilted to one shoulder, forward (chin down) or to one side - Child may be avoiding double or blurred vision
• Part of the iris is missing - May be the outward sign of a defect of the inside of the eye
If you suspect that your child has a vision or eye problem, then schedule to have your child's eyes examined by an ophthalmologist, pediatrician, or family physician. Every child should have screening exams appropriate for their age and ability to cooperate, before the age of 5.
"By working with a pediatrician, family physician and your ophthalmologist, parents and other early childhood caregivers can help recognize disorders and ensure that treatment is received that can save a child's sight," said Dr. Jean Ramsey.
To learn more about children's eye health, visit
www.eyecareamerica.org
Dr. Redmond is a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist in Pensacola, Florida and serves as CEO of his multi-specialty group practice. He is the Past-President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and has served for many years in different activities with the AAO, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Medical Association.
