Eye problems in children are unique and need specialized management. The problems affecting children are quite distinct from those affecting adults.
Every child should undergo an eye examination by the age of 3 years or before attending school as advised by the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).
An eye examination is surely recommended if the child has
Amblyopia occurs when the vision in one or both eyes is weaker than normal. Common causes include refractive errors, eye misalignment, or visual obstruction. Early intervention, ideally before the age of 8, yields the best results, though research shows improvement is possible up to age 17.
Nearly 25% of cases can be corrected with appropriate glasses. In other cases, patching of the stronger eye is advised to encourage use of the weaker one, along with near-vision activities. Sometimes, eye drops are used to blur the better eye. This treatment requires patience and continuous encouragement from parents.
For accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, consulting a pediatric ophthalmologist in Pune is essential to ensure timely care and long-term visual health.
Refractive errors occur when light rays do not focus properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision. A child may be farsighted (hypermetropic) or nearsighted (myopic). Prescription glasses play a crucial role, and in children, the prescription depends on factors like age and eye alignment.
In many cases, squint (strabismus) can be corrected simply with glasses. There are proven non-surgical treatments to control the progression of myopia and to reduce hypermetropia using optical adjustments and medications like atropine or pirenzipine.
At this stage, guidance from a child eye specialist in Pune helps parents understand the best optical and therapeutic options for their child’s vision development.
Pediatric cataracts cause blurred or reduced vision due to clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Early diagnosis and timely surgery are vital to prevent long-term vision loss. Post-surgery, vision therapy and glasses may be required for optimal recovery and development.
At Axis Eye Clinic, led by Dr. Ramesh Murthy, children receive expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate care. Known as the Best Eye Clinic in Pune, the hospital offers advanced technology and a child-friendly environment for complete eye care.
Some infants experience watering of the eyes due to blockage in the tear drainage system. Most cases improve with gentle massage and antibiotic drops, but persistent cases may need a simple probing procedure or, rarely, surgical correction. Nasal endoscopy is also used to assess the blockage when needed.
Children are often prone to eye allergies that cause itching, redness, and watering. With the right treatment and preventive care, symptoms can be managed effectively, though mild recurrences are common.
Premature babies are at higher risk of developing refractive errors, squint, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Screening should ideally be done around 30 days after birth. If detected early, laser treatment can help prevent severe complications.
Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children. Warning signs include a white reflex in the pupil, squint, or poor vision in one or both eyes. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for saving vision and life.
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, that children should undergo their first eye examination by the age of 3 years. Dr Ramesh Murthy is a chosen member of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
The vision is checked by using special picture or grating charts or letter charts if the child can read. Most children also need a dilated eye examination for checking the refraction. If performed on the same day, the consultation can last for an hour or so as the drops take time to start acting on the eyes.
No. This is not harmful. However it is not recommended as it can cause eye strain.
Excess near activities can trigger the development of myopia. It is not advisable that a child spends a lot of time on the mobile or TV
Yes, outdoor activities and exposure to sunlight is known to reduce the chances of developing myopia.
The progression of myopia can be slowed down using atropine eye drops in the recommended concentration. This can be instilled once at night.
Glasses are not prescribed for small refractive errors in children. Only when the number is significant glasses are prescribed. The eye tries to become normal by a process of emmetropization. Unnecessary prescription of glasses can lead to disturbance of this process of normalization of the eyes.
The best option is patching the good eye and making the weaker eye work hard. Atropine ointment can be used to blur the vision of the good eye. Bangerter foils can also be used to partially occlude the good eye. Newer options are the use of Occlusion glasses and dichoptic therapy using red blue glasses.
The best option is patching the good eye and making the weaker eye work hard. Atropine ointment can be used to blur the vision of the good eye. Bangerter foils can also be used to partially occlude the good eye. Newer options are the use of Occlusion glasses and dichoptic therapy using red blue glasses.
