Treatments
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Protecting Your Child’s Precious Vision
A child’s eyes are not just smaller versions of adult eyes—they are constantly developing and require special care. Pediatric Ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating eye problems in children, ensuring healthy visual development for a lifetime of clear, comfortable vision.
With changing lifestyles, increased screen exposure, and dietary imbalances, eye problems in children are on the rise. Timely eye examinations and early interventions are key to protecting your child’s vision and preventing long-term complications.
The Alarming Rise of Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Children
In recent years, there has been a global surge in childhood myopia, especially in urban settings. Excessive screen time, lack of outdoor activities, and prolonged near work are major contributing factors.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a condition where a child can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It usually starts in school-age children and tends to worsen as they grow.
Symptoms of Myopia in Children:
- Squinting to see distant objects.
- Sitting too close to the TV or screen.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain.
- Difficulty seeing the blackboard in school.
Myopia Control & Management:
- Spectacles / Contact Lenses to correct vision.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special night-time contact lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily.
- Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Proven to slow down the progression of myopia.
- Encouraging Outdoor Activities: At least 2 hours daily to reduce myopia risk.
- Limiting screen time and ensuring regular eye breaks (20-20-20 rule).
Other Common Refractive Errors in Children
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing near objects.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision due to irregular corneal shape.
- Anisometropia: Significant difference in prescription between the two eyes, increasing the risk of lazy eye (amblyopia).
Importance of Early Eye Exams:
Refractive errors, if undetected, can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain suppresses signals from the weaker eye, causing permanent visual impairment. Regular vision screening starting as early as 3 years of age is crucial.
Squint (Strabismus): More than a Cosmetic Concern
Squint (misalignment of eyes) is a condition where one or both eyes turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. It can be constant or intermittent.
Causes of Squint
- Uncorrected refractive errors.
- Muscle or nerve imbalance.
- Congenital or developmental issues.
- After-effects of trauma or certain illnesses.
Why Squint Needs Early Treatment:
- Can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye).
- Affects depth perception and binocular vision.
- Impacts self-confidence and social interactions.
Squint Treatment Options:
- Glasses or Prism Lenses for optical correction.
- Vision Therapy (Eye Exercises) in selected cases.
- Squint Surgery: Surgical correction of eye muscles for proper alignment.
- Modern squint surgeries are safe, precise, and often day-care procedures.
- Best results are achieved when done early, while the visual system is still developing.
Nutritional Deficiency & Children’s Eye Health
Proper nutrition is fundamental to your child’s visual development. Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children, especially in developing countries.
Key Nutrients for Eye Health:
- Vitamin A: Essential for night vision and healthy conjunctiva/cornea.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA): Critical for retinal development.
- Zinc, Lutein, Zeaxanthin: Protect against oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C & E: Support overall eye health and immunity.
Signs of Nutritional Deficiency Affecting Eyes:
- Dry eyes and recurrent infections.
- Night blindness (difficulty seeing in low light).
- Bitot’s spots (foamy patches on the white of the eye).
Diet Tips for Healthy Eyes:
- Include leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, and fish.
- Encourage home-cooked balanced meals and limit junk food.
- Ensure regular pediatrician visits for nutritional assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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At what age should I get my child’s eyes checked?
A comprehensive eye check-up is recommended:
- At birth (for high-risk newborns).
- At 3-4 years of age.
- Before starting school.
- Annually if no issues, or as advised by the ophthalmologist.
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How can I tell if my child has a vision problem?
Watch for signs like:
- Squinting, head tilting.
- Sitting very close to screens.
- Frequent eye rubbing.
- Poor performance in school.
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain.
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Can refractive errors in children be corrected permanently?
Refractive errors are corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Surgical options like LASIK or SMILE are considered only after 18 years of age when eye power stabilizes. However, myopia control strategies can slow down the progression.
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Is squint surgery safe for children?
Yes. Squint surgery is a safe, routine procedure with minimal downtime. Early surgical correction not only improves cosmetic appearance but is essential for developing binocular vision and preventing lazy eye.
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Can screen time really affect my child’s eyes?
Excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain, dry eyes, and is a significant factor in early onset and progression of myopia. Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play is crucial for eye health.
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6. Does diet really help in improving vision?
A healthy diet rich in Vitamins A, C, E, Omega-3s, and antioxidants supports eye development and protects against infections and vision-threatening conditions.
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What is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?
Amblyopia occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to poor vision in the weaker eye. Early detection and treatment with patching, glasses, or vision therapy can reverse it if addressed before age 7-8 years.
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How often should my child’s eye power be checked?
If your child wears glasses, regular follow-up every 6-12 months is essential to monitor for changes in prescription and check for any other associated conditions.
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Takeaway: Healthy Vision Begins in Childhood
Many adult eye problems have their roots in childhood. Early screening, timely correction of refractive errors, treatment of squint, and proper nutrition are key to ensuring your child enjoys a lifetime of clear and comfortable vision. At Vision & Beyond, we are committed to providing comprehensive, child-friendly eye care with the latest technology and compassionate expertise.
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How long is the recovery after Oculoplastic Surgery?
Most oculoplastic procedures are day-care surgeries with a recovery period of 7-10 days. Swelling and bruising resolve gradually, with final cosmetic results visible in a few weeks.
Takeaway: Oculoplasty - Precision in Function & Beauty
Oculoplasty is where science meets artistry. Whether it’s about correcting a droopy eyelid affecting vision, relieving facial spasms, or refreshing your appearance with Botox, Vision & Beyond offers specialized, customized care with the latest techniques in functional and aesthetic oculoplastic surgery.