PEDIATRIC EYE CARE

Refractive errors is said to exist when the light rays get focused in front or behind the retina causing blurred vision.

The common types of refractive errors that occur in children are myopia (short sightedness), hyperopia (long sightedness) and Astigmatism.

In Hyperopa or long sightedness, the light rays from an image behind the retina because of the small size of the eye ball.

The light rays from an object an image in front of the retina. Thos occurs when the cornea is curved too much or if the eye is too long

This occurs due to changes in corneal curvature.

Children can have difficulty in reading small letters on the blackboard
Some children squeeze their eyes while trying to see object like blackboard, television etc.
Children hold books close to their face while reading
Children with myopia have defective vision for distance and clear vision for near.
They can experience eye strain while trying to read for long hours
Some children with hyperopia can present with squint.
Children can develop swellings on the lids due to constant rubbing of the eyes to see things clearly.
Eye pain and headache may occur.
The child should be immediately brought to an ophthalmologist, if any one of the above symptoms is observed.

Correction using spectacles is the best option available for refractive errors.
The Power of the glass may change depending on the eye ball.
An eye check-up has to be done once in 6 months for children under 5 years of age and once a year thereafter and change glasses if when necessary.
Children older than 15 years can use contact lenses if they don't want spectacles. Those over 21 years of age with stable power also have the option of lasik, a laser refractive procedure apart from contact lenses.
Glass should be worn constantly according to the advice of your ophthalmologist.