Children’s eye health at risk due to lack of early screening

Hyderabad: Eye problems among children are one of the most neglected health issues, with myopia being considered a global pandemic.

While the issues faced by children below and above 2 years of age are different, the lack of awareness about the problems among parents has led to serious eye problems.

Refractive errors, quint eyes, environmental reasons, trauma, infections and allergies form the primary reasons for eye problems, besides genetic issues, which are largely incurable.

A complete eye check-up for the child at birth, at the age of 3 and 5 years is strongly suggested by the experts to prevent eye problems since delayed identification would lead to lazy eye syndrome.

Causes of eye problems

There are several reasons cited for eye problems among children of different age groups. Children below the age of 2 years can suffer eye issues due to genetic problems and infections, while those above the age of 2 can have refractive errors, infections, allergic issues and quint eyes.

Dr Sushma Reddy Katukuri, consultant pediatric ophthalmologist at the Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Banjara Hills here said, “The causes of refractive errors are multifactorial. When both parents have eyesight issues, most probably the child can also inherit it.”

Exposure to sunlight essential

Other reasons include environmental conditions, lack of physical exercise, diet and continuous near work.

“Too much exposure to screen time, lack of exposure to sunlight, continuous reading and writing work without a gap also can result in eye problems. Sunlight is essential for the natural growth of eyeballs, the lack of it can affect the growth,” Dr Sushma added.

Infections, allergies, hygiene and nutrition intake can also affect the eyesight of children of different age groups.

Neglect of trauma

In most cases, the parents neglect the trauma caused to the eye due to falls from heights and road accident injuries.

Dr Sushma said, “Incidents like ball hitting eyes, sharp injuries due to poking of pencils or pen need to be treated immediately. When children are sitting in the front side of the motorbike or cars can suffer injuries, and if untreated children may end up losing their vision permanently.”

Exposure to chemical substances and spilling of hot water can also cause impaired vision and require treatment. Washing of the eyes with normal water immediately during instances of hot water spills or chemical exposure must be done followed by consultation.

Precautions and treatments

The lack of awareness among parents is considered a prime reason for delayed identification of eye problems among children, except for genetic disorders.

“Keeping the books too close to the eyes, watching television from a close position, excessive blinking of eyes, reddishness and frequent eye infection are common symptoms. A detailed check-up should be done rather than a simple over-the-counter consultation,” Dr Sushma added.

Continuous near work including reading books and the use of mobile phones for prolonged periods without breaks can affect eyesight.

“Early identification is the key in providing adequate treatment including laser correction, wearing of specs and contact lens. Delayed identification and treatment won’t ensure a permanent solution. So, awareness among parents on common symbol and frequency eye checkup are essential,” Dr Sushma said.