| Warning
signs infants up to one year of age |
 Difficulty making steady eye contact by 2-3 months- Constant crossing of eyes or one eye that turns in or out
(occasional crossing of eyes up to 6 months of age is normal)
- Difficulty tracking or following moving objects
|
| Warning
signs preschool child |
 Misalignment of eye -
see
ophthalmologist immediately- Presence of a white pupil -
see ophthalmologist immediately
- Sudden development of pain or redness in eye
|
| Warning
signs - for any age |
- Eyes fluttering quickly from side-to-side, or up-and-down
- Watery eyes
- Eyes sensitive to light
- White, grayish-white, or yellow-colored material in pupil
- Constant redness
- Continued puss or crust in eye
- Eyes look crossed
- Child rubs eyes constantly
- Child squints often
- Eyelid droops
- Eyes appear to bulge
|
| Screening |
 In the newborn nursery: all newborns
should be examined before being discharged from the nursery
- By 6 months: Pediatricians should screen infants
at well-baby visits
- By 3-4 years old: All
children should be examined
by pediatrician.
- At age 5 and older: Children
should be screened annually.
|
A
few problems that can arise include |
- Falsely Misaligned Eyes - eyes appear crossed
yet they are truly straight. Many children will outgrow
this problem.
- Misaligned Eyes - common condition in children.
Treatment usually involves surgery prior to 2 years of age.
- Lazy Eye - reduced vision due to lack of use. Early
treatment ensures best results
- Glaucoma - pressure inside the
eye is great.
Warning signs - extreme sensitivity to light, tearing, persistent
pain.
- Tearing - blocked tear ducts resulting in the eyes
overflowing with tears and mucus.
- Nearsightedness - can see near
but have difficulty seeing far.
- Farsightedness - A small degree is normal in children.
Only excessive farsightedness should be treated.
- Astigmatism - When the eye has an irregular corneal
shape resulting in blurred vision.
|
