Pediatric Ophthalmology in India
What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?
Pediatric ophthalmology, a subspecialty of ophthalmology, focuses on visual development, vision care, and eye diseases in children. Various eye diseases and conditions can impact a child's vision. Among the prevalent issues are Blepharitis (swollen eyelids), Astigmatism, Amblyopia (lazy eyes), and Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Symptoms of Vision problems in Children
Vision problems in children typically manifest between 18 months and 4 years of age. The most prevalent vision issues include :
Vision Disorders in Children
Blepharitis : This condition arises from inflammation in the eyelid oil glands, leading to severe crusting and swelling of the eyelids, particularly noticeable in the morning. Symptoms may also include a gritty sensation or the feeling of having something in the eye. Various symptoms of this condition include :
Managing this condition involves using eyelid scrubs and warm compresses. Adhering to proper eyelid hygiene can effectively control the condition. In cases of infections, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Amblyopia : Commonly known as lazy eye, this condition may manifest in growing children. A child may exhibit varying levels of vision in their left and right eyes. One eye may produce weaker images without impacting the other eye. Over time, the brain gradually adapts to the weaker images sent by the eyes.
Causes of Amblyopia
Severe problems of Farsightedness or Nearsightedness : The issue of farsightedness (hyperopia) or nearsightedness (myopia) can impact each of the child's eyes differently. One eye may maintain normal vision, while the other experiences blurred vision. Over time, the brain tends to disregard the weaker images from the eye with poorer vision.
Structural Problems : Structural issues with the eye can impede a growing child's vision. Various structural problems include a drooping eyelid, a scar on the cornea, and congenital cataract.
Strabismus : Strabismus (crossed eyes) can result in double vision when a child attempts to use both eyes simultaneously. To address this, a child may instinctively try to focus with one eye to correct the double vision.
Symptoms of Amblyopia
Treatment of Amblyopia
The objective of the treatment is to strengthen the weaker eye and ensure clear vision for both eyes. This involves covering the stronger eye with a patch, compelling the weaker eye to focus more intensively. Amblyopia treatment may also encompass the prescription of vision therapy, lenses, and prisms.
Conjunctivitis : Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, occurs when the white part of the eye takes on a pink hue. This can be accompanied by excessive discharge, a sensation of a foreign body, or tearing in the eye. In children, conjunctivitis is often caused by bacterial or viral infections, while in older children, it may result from allergies. The choice of treatment, whether ointment or eye drops, depends on the underlying cause of the issue.
Symptoms and Signs of Conjunctivitis
Viral Conjunctivitis : This condition is linked to cold-related issues. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by the adenovirus and has the potential to spread extensively, leading to an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis among a large number of people.
Allergic Conjunctivitis : Allergic conjunctivitis is observed in individuals displaying signs of allergic diseases such as eczema, high fever, and asthma. Antigens like dust mites, cosmetics, and pollen are responsible for triggering allergic conjunctivitis.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis : Bacteria such as streptococci, Haemophilus, or staphylococci are responsible for bacterial conjunctivitis. These bacteria can originate from the patient's upper respiratory tract or their own skin. Additionally, transmission of bacteria from another person with bacterial conjunctivitis can also cause this condition.
The Other Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Astigmatism : This condition causes an irregular shape of the cornea. Children with this condition may need to wear glasses to address potential blurred vision.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
