Pediatric Eye Health and Strabismus

Children should undergo an eye examination within the first three months after birth. A comprehensive eye checkup during this period can detect congenital cataracts, which, if identified early, can be surgically treated within the first 1.5 months to prevent vision loss.

Excessive tearing in infancy may indicate a blocked tear duct or a more serious condition like congenital glaucoma. Since the treatment for these two conditions differs, early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent blindnesscaused by increased eye pressure. Additionally, congenital tear duct blockages identified early can be treated with simple interventions.

Refractive errors in children differ from those in adults. About 85-90% of children naturally have mild refractive errors at birth, which often normalize by the age of three. However, if significant refractive errors requiring glasses are not corrected in early childhood, they may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye).

Certain structural eye disorders such as retinoblastoma, hemangioma, and choristoma can also be detected and treated through early eye examinations.

Strabismus (eye misalignment) can occur before six months of age (congenital) or develop later. It can often be corrected with prescription glasses and, if necessary, lazy eye treatment. In some cases, surgical correction may be required for optimal alignment and visual development.