Eyes are an essential part of our life. They help us see and perceive the world as it is. Tending to the needs of our eye is very crucial.
A healthy vision is a very important aspect of a healthy life. Eyesight problems nowadays is a common concern among many children. To make sure that the child’s vision isn’t threatened by excessive screen time, pollution or other factors, getting their eyes checked by children’s optometrist is highly advisable.
Many eye-related problems arise during our childhood. They grow into a severe or significant issue by the time we reach our old age. Regular eye check-ups by visiting children’s optometrists from a young age are essential as the eyes are the sensitive part of our body.
Routine eye exams mainly include vision screening to check the eyes’ overall health, a visual acuity test to find out whether the objects appear clear or sharp, eye alignment to see how well the eye works together.
Many vision problems that are found at an early stage can be corrected. One should consult a children’s optometrist in case they notice symptoms are as follows:
• Redness or irritation
• Tears coming out again and again
• Eyes don’t appear aligned
• Pupil size is different for both eyes, or color is unusual, or have changed color
• Seem very sensitive to light than usual
• Has trouble focusing or following object
• Complain about blurry vision
• Eyes appear different than usual
• Trouble reading blackboard
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Trouble with reading
• Not able to see objects at a distance
• Tilting or turning of the head
• Drooping or bulging eyes or eyelids
• White or yellow mucus appearing in the eye
• Pus or crust filled bellow the lid
• Night blindness
Most eye issues arise out of a lack of vitamins. A healthy diet that has the perfect proportion of vegetables full of vitamins and minerals is essential.
Who is an optometrist?
Optometrists are highly professional eye doctors that take care of your eye’s primary health. So if you have a problem in your vision or your eye is swollen, or you have got poked in the eye by some kid you hate and now you have developed redness, you should definitely visit an optometrist then.
Eye problems which are common in children
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Amblyopia
Amblyopia, often known as lazy eyes, is termed when one eye’s vision is impaired due to a brain-eye dysfunction. The brain may favor the healthy eye, despite the fact that the eye appears to be normal. This is a dangerous disorder that, if left untreated, can result in a permanent visual loss in one eye. As a result of strabismus, some people acquire Amblyopia. In youngsters, Amblyopia is the main reason for vision difficulties. It’s probable that it won’t be the same in all situations. Patching the healthy eye or special eye drops suggested by children’s optometrist can be used to encourage the troublesome eye to work.
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Cataracts
Cataracts primarily affect the elderly. The clouding of the eye lens can cause blurred or double vision. Cataracts may necessitate surgery in some cases. They affect a small percentage of children who have had this issue since birth or developed them due to other illnesses during childhood (such as diabetes). To rectify the vision, surgery may be required. It is better to consult children’s optometrist without delaying it any further.
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Strabismus
When the eyes point in different directions, it is known as crossed or misaligned eyes. The second eye moves downward, upward, or backward while one eye is focused on whatever is in front of it. This condition can be detected simply by glancing into someone’s eyes.
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Blocked tear ducts
The most frequent eye condition in children is strabismus. In this condition, the membrane in the tear duct fails to function correctly, and hence this makes the eyes watery.
Eye infections develop as a result of watery eyes. Even while it can be rectified without therapy, the majority of babies will require surgery to open this membrane if it does not open on its own.
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Colorblindness
This is more of a symptom and less of a disease. It is formed since the birth of a child and has no treatment for it. Special contact lenses and special glasses can help the person differentiate between two colors.
It is imperative for children to visit a children’s optometrist and look out for severe conditions.