Vision loss in children can mean less central or peripheral vision, short- or long-term blindness, or other eye problems. It can be due to glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, and retinal detachment, among other conditions. Vision loss can happen at any age, but it’s more common in kids with health problems like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders. Finding and treating children’s vision problems immediately is essential to avoid issues and enhance their overall vision.
Recent studies show that about 3.3% of South African children have vision difficulties, a significant health problem.
The symptoms and signs of vision loss in children may vary significantly according to the condition’s root cause and how it affects their eyesight. The prevalent symptoms of vision loss include:
Prompt medical treatment must be sought if a kid exhibits these symptoms.
Several disorders may lead to vision loss in children, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, and retinal detachment. Each of these disorders is traceable back to one of the following:
Genetic and environmental factors play a role in development of vision disorders in children. A child’s chance of having vision loss increases due to:
A thorough eye exam is necessary to diagnose vision loss in children. Tests of visual acuity, eye movement, and a dilated eye exam might be a part of the exam. Electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are two additional tests the doctor may suggest evaluating how well the retina and optic nerve function.
Vision impairment in children may lead to several complications, including a delay in cognitive and motor development, difficulty learning new things, and social isolation. For this reason, detecting and treating vision loss as soon as it occurs is of the utmost importance.
Child vision loss therapy depends on the cause and severity. Corrective glasses or surgeries may be a treatment option depending on the reason of the vision loss. Retinopathy of prematurity requires early treatment to avoid irreparable vision loss.
Preventing vision loss in children requires proper eye care and screenings. If a child has vision loss or a family background of vision disorders, they need frequent eye exams. Parents can also urge their children to eat healthily, wear sports eyewear, and take breaks from electronics.
Many rural and underprivileged children in South Africa struggle to get proper eye care. Screening programmes and community engagement may assist children with visual impairments in getting eye treatment early.