Paediatric Ophthalmology

1. Refractive Errors (Need for Glasses)

Children may have myopia (short-sight), hyperopia (long-sight), or astigmatism, which makes vision blurry.

Suspect vision related problems if your child is sitting very closely while watching TV, rubs eye frequently, complains of frequent headaches or if you notice poor school performance due to blurred vision.

A simple eye examination to asses the vision will reveal the nature of the problem and can be rectified by prescription of glasses. In some children where the myopia progresses rapidly with frequent increase in the glass power, newer treatment options like low dose Atropine drops or defocus lenses are available that helps controlling the progression of myopia.

2. Squint (Strabismus)

A condition where the eyes are not aligned and may point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead and the other eye may be turned inwards, outwards, up or down. Children with squint may have problems with depth perception.

Early diagnosis and appropriate correction of any refractive error is important and consulting a Kids eye specialist doctor helps ensure timely treatment. Untreated refractive error or squint lead to permanent defective vision, a condition called Amblyopia or Lazy eye.

Treatment includes patching of the good eye so that the weak eye is stimulated to see, glasses or eye exercises. Surgery maybe required to align the eyes straight.

3. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

It is a condition in which poor vision in one or both eyes that doesn’t improve with treatment. The brain stops processing visual inputs beyond the age of 10–12 years when they are blurred due to refractive error or squint.

If a child is having refractive error or squint, it needs to be addressed at an early age to prevent permanent life long defective vision. It is often discovered during routine eye check-ups and timely evaluation by the Best paediatric eye doctor in Chennai at Shakthi Eye Care Centre can help ensure early detection and effective treatment.

The treatment includes assessment and correction of any refractive errors with glasses and eye patching. Good responses are seen when treatment is initiated at an early age. For older children, vision therapy may offer some improvement.

4. Blocked Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction)

Normally there is a continuous tear secretion from tear glands to keep the ocular surface moist and the secreted tears drain through a natural passage situated at the inner corner of the eye lid. When the tear drainage system is narrow or blocked, the symptom of constant tearing or watering of eyes happen. In new born children there may be a delay in the canalisation of the draining ducts that result in poor drainage of tears resulting in persistent watery eyes or discharge. Early evaluation at a Paediatric ophthalmology clinic in Chennai can help confirm the diagnosis.

The management depends upon the age of the infant. A simple massaging technique will improve the condition upto the age of one year. If persisting beyond the age of one year, a minor procedure called probing will solve the problem. In older patients, surgery may be required.

5. Allergic Conjunctivitis in Children

Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye allergy where the thin membrane covering the white of the eye conjunctiva becomes irritated due to exposure to allergens. It is not an infection and is not contagious.

Common allergens include:

• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen (grass/flower/tree)
• Pet dander
• Fragrance, smoke, or air pollution
• Indoor mould

If you notice your child is having one or more of the following symptoms like redness, itching with frequent eye rubbing along with watery eyes, consult an Eye specialist for kids in Chennai. The eye lids may appear swollen at times along with sneezing or runny nose. Symptoms may be seasonal (mainly during certain months) or year-round. Children with asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis (or a family history of allergies) are more prone to this.

Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis

1. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis – Children are affected only during a particular season of the year and during other months they are symptom free.

2. Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis – Symptomatic nearly throughout the year but it is usually mild.

3. Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) – Very common condition more commonly prevalent in warm climates like in Chennai. It is more severe compared to the other types and affects more often boys. It is important to treat this condition as untreated VKC can lead to corneal problems like keratoconus due to frequent eye rubbing or in severe forms it can cause corneal ulcers

4. Atopic Conjunctivitis – Rare in children and it affects adults more often.

Diagnosis is usually through proper history of allergy or seasonal triggers, symptoms and appearance of eyes during clinical examination. Shakthi Eye Care Centre provide specialised evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely care.

Treatment consists of avoiding allergens, topical anti-allergic medications and in severe cases a short course of topical steroids.

Simple home care prevention include avoiding allergens by keeping the child’s room clean and dust free, washing bedspread and pillow covers in hot water once a week, avoiding exposure to pets, dusty areas, smoke etc. Cold water compress reduce itching and gives good relief.

Allergic conjunctivitis is common and manageable. With proper environmental control, regular treatment, and avoiding eye rubbing, most children stay comfortable and symptom-free.

6. Screen-Related Eye Strain

With increasing digital exposure, children may develop tired eyes, headaches, or blurred vision.

Management & Prevention:

• Follow the 20–20–20 rule
• Encourage outdoor play
• Limit screen time as per age guidelines
• Proper posture and lighting during device use

When Should Parents Get an Eye Check-up for Their Child?

• First eye exam by 6 months, then at 3 years, and before starting school
• Any family history of eye problem
• If the child shows signs of poor vision or eye misalignment
• After injuries or infections

Why Early Detection Matters?

Children may not realize or complain about vision problems.

Early treatment ensures:
• Better learning
• Improved social and motor development
• Prevention of permanent vision loss

Give your child the best start to healthy vision—book an appointment at Shakthi Eye Care Centre, a trusted Child vision care centre in Chennai.

Book Your Child’s Eye Check-up Today