Eye diseases can become more difficult to treat in later stages if not diagnosed early in childhood. Many serious eye conditions appear in early childhood, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, successful outcomes can be achieved.
Protecting Children's Eye Health from 0 to 16 Years:
Regular eye exams are necessary in the first year, before starting school, and during school years. If any of the following symptoms occur, it is important to consult a pediatric ophthalmologist (a specialist in children's eye diseases) without delay:
- Closing or covering one eye
- White or cloudy color in the pupil, which should normally appear black
- Holding objects very close to the eyes
- Tilting the head to one side while looking
- Frequently rubbing the eyes
- One or both eyes turning inward or outward
- Premature birth
- Family history of amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Family history of vision problems
Common Eye Diseases in Children:
- Corneal Diseases in Infants
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
- Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
- Eyelid Diseases
- Tearing (Blocked Tear Ducts)
- Eye Discharge and Redness
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
- Eye Tumors in Infants
- Color Blindness
- Nystagmus (Involuntary Eye Movements)
- Congenital Cataracts
Treatment Processes for Children's Eye Diseases:
Regular check-ups help identify visual impairments, underlying diseases, and conditions like strabismus (eye misalignment) early on, making treatment easier.
The first eye exam should be done at age 1 because:
- Conditions like drooping eyelids and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) can be diagnosed and treated early at this age.
- Diagnosing cataracts, eye pressure issues, and retinal problems at this stage can prevent irreversible vision loss. If not diagnosed early, cataracts or retinal issues can lead to permanent vision loss and lifelong eye tremors (nystagmus) within 2-3 months.
Examinations between 6 months and 1 year are particularly crucial for detecting and treating strabismus (eye misalignment). If not treated during this period, misalignment can lead to long-term issues. During this age, due to the underdevelopment of the nasal bridge, pseudo-strabismus (false eye misalignment) may occur. These cases can be easily differentiated through proper examination.
Conclusion:
Children’s eye health can be preserved with regular eye exams in early years, and potential eye diseases can be treated at an early stage. This is critical in preventing more serious eye problems in later life.