Children are prone to different spectrum of problems.
- Premature babies are at risk of losing vision due to Retinopathy of Prematurity.
- Consanguineous marriages, poor nutrition and infections in pregnancy may lead to cataracts in the new born.
- Disturbance during the neonatal period, or after birth may lead to optic neuropathies.
- Refractive errors may lead to subnormal vision development and Lazy eyes(amblyopia).
- Squint may cause loss of binocular vision.
- Environment may induce allergic conjunctivitis, a chronic nuisance.
- Children are susceptible to injuries too.
- They may be bothered by nasolacrymal obstruction causing watery eyes.
- They could have eyelid anomalies.
- They could harbour eye and life threatening cancer- Retinoblastoma.
Of late, it has been noted that school age children are developing myopia, in an alarming proportion, 15-20 % of children in some sections in cities. Certain centres from other countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and the US have reported even higher incidence. To the extent of 40%.
The following is a list of useful things to do to slow down progression - (attachment 2)
Children spend most of their productive time at school and with teachers. It would be good if teachers and staff are aware of various eye conditions and what to look for. Following would be useful information for adults about childhood eye conditions (attachment 3).