The prevalence of eye and vision disorders are now substantial in children. Since eye and vision problems can become worse over time, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to optimize children's eye health and vision and to prevent future vision loss. Children may have eye problems which are undetected at times, and this could interfere with their performance at school. Undetected, untreated visual problems lead to vision loss that may not be treatable in later stages of life. Eye and vision disorders in children can impact their normal development, their school performances and social interaction and behaviour. These problems in childhood can affect their level of education, employment, and behavioural interactions in later ages. It is good to be sure that your child's poor academic performance is not because of the eyes.
A comprehensive paediatric eye and vision examination by an experienced optometrist is imperative for the timely diagnosis and treatment of child's eye and vision problems.
- Protocol suggests that examination for children should be as early as 6 months of age or at least once before about the age of years.
- Regular eye check for children should be done every 2 years.
Children who wear contact lenses or spectacles should go in for annual eye examination or earlier unless recommended earlier. - Eye examination for children with such reasons visible is mandatory - if the pregnant mother had complications during pregnancy or during birth, if the child rubs his eyes frequently, excessive blinking, squinting or does not maintain eye contact. This indicates that the child has misalignment of eyes or squint.
At MCVI, the eye examination of a child's eye is performed with clinical tools which are important for evaluation of their eyes and vision. These examinations are not usually done in eye hospitals or clinics. We educate parents on reducing the risk and how to prevent the adverse effects of vision and eye problems by early diagnosis and management.
Prof. Monica Chaudhry can perform examinations for infants and children of age groups with accuracy. She is an expert in Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) treatment.