What Parents Should Know About Eye Health of their Children?

  •   Wed, May 17 2023
  •   By Dr Teena M Mendonca

May 17, 2023

First few years of life is very crucial in eyesight development of a child as the brain is still growing. As children grow, the structure and function of the eyes develop quickly, while a child's eyes are still developing, paying close attention to their eye health might help identify issues early on. There is popular myth among parents that eye problems can get alright by itself as the child grows. It is not so. Some problems must be tackled at infancy or early childhood.

Few symptoms point towards need for eye check-up are:

• Redness, eye pain, itching, and watering of eyes
• Pus or discharge from the eyes
• Observing an object at a very close distance
• Excessive blinking or rubbing of eyes
• Quick loss of interest in activities that require eye use
• Squinting one or both the eyes
• Turning the head to look at object in front
• white reflex in the pupils

Delaying treatment for eye problems can cause lazy eye(amblyopia) in children which is irreversible in adulthood. However, vision problems such as a lazy eye (amblyopia) may have no warning signs, and your child may not report vision problems. Therefore, it's critical that you examine your child's vision at this time. Even if your youngster is unable to read yet, there are special exams to evaluate his vision.

Nowadays keeping the children away from screen is a big challenge. Myopia or near sightedness has become new pandemic among the children due to tremendous increase in use of gadgets. It has proven that prolong near activity of any sort increases the focussing power of the eye and children can develop myopia. So, it is very important for them to get out in the open garden or playground and get involved in outdoor activities. Blue light emerging from devices can disturb sleep wake cycle and cause sleep problems. Use of mobile phones should be strictly avoided before sleep.

Eye tests by your child's doctor are an important way to identify problems with your child's vision. Problems that are found early have a better chance of being treated successfully. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends eye exams for all children beginning in the new born period and at all well-child visits.

 

 

 

 
By Dr Teena M Mendonca
Dr Teena M Mendonca MS is a consultant ophthalmology at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.
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Comment on this article

  • Dev, Mangalore

    Sun, May 21 2023

    Short article but informative for parents who have only one or two kids and in this competitive world are anxious to see they excel. Due to city living kids are deprived of outdoor activities unlike their parents and they spend more time indoors using their gadgets putting more stress on their eyes. I've seen your kids playing outdoors in their grandparents home.

  • Rudy D Souza & Family, Omzoor / Kuwait

    Sat, May 20 2023

    Good article , appreciate your idealogy to explain in simplest way to a common man. Expecting few more health articles in the near future. Thank you for your time and concern towards the society in large in your busy schedule. God bless.

  • Wilma, Bantwal

    Fri, May 19 2023

    Very informative article. Proud of your achievements in your field dear Teena.

  • Gautam Das, Bangalore

    Wed, May 17 2023

    Good eye opener article for eye care especially for new burns if eye correction is needed.


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