Childhood eye diseases may result from genetics or improper development. Some forms of these eye diseases may have serious effects on the eyes and vision if not treated properly. As a result, parents should watch for signs of vision problems or eye discomfort in order to prevent permanent damage to the child's eyes and vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
The retina is the sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye that passes visual information to the optic nerve. The eye disease retinitis pigmentosa progressively damages the retina, causing gradual decrease in night vision, side vision and central vision in severe cases. Typically, signs of the condition appear in childhood and adolescence, says the American Optometric Association. This disorder of the retina may be caused by genetics, and though multiple people in a family may have the condition, retinitis pigmentosa is rare. Doctors cannot treat the damage to the retina, and, over time, the vision will gradually decrease. However, it's uncommon for these patients to go completely blind, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Glaucoma
The fluid inside the eye needs to remain at a healthy balance. If the pressure increases, the optic nerve is damaged, and these nerve fibers normally tell the brain what the eyes see. This process of damage from high eye pressure is called glaucoma. Though rare in children, doctors diagnose most cases of glaucoma in children before six months of age, notes the University of Virginia Health System. Symptoms include light sensitivity, watery eyes or cloudiness to one eye. In sudden onset, the child will have extreme pain. Treatment may include eye drops or surgery, depending on the cause for improper fluid drainage.
Cataract
Cataracts result when the natural lens inside the eye turns yellow and thick. This typically happens with age. However, some children have cataracts at birth, or cataracts that develop over the first years, according to the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. Doctors must evaluate the cataract, but also the overall health of the eye to determine if the eye has any other conditions. If the eye appears healthy and capable of tolerating a surgery, the eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery to improve vision. Since cataract surgery in children requires the child have general anesthesia, the cataract surgery has more risks than the surgery for an adult. After surgery, the doctor will require a parent or caregiver to place eye drops in the eye at scheduled intervals. This aids in healing and helps to prevent infection.
