Eye Examination in Children

Eye examination in children is an important way to detect vision problems. It is important for children to have regular eye exams to make sure their eyes are healthy and free of vision problems that could affect their school performance or potentially their safety. This examination is an important medical practice to evaluate the eye health of young individuals and detect potential problems early. Proper development of children's eyes is vital for their overall health and learning processes. Eye examinations are of great importance in detecting problems such as vision disorders, strabismus and astigmatism. Regular examinations starting in early childhood can prevent vision problems that affect children's school success. These examinations also identify conditions such as eye laziness at an early stage and make them treatable.

Why is Eye Examination Important in Children?

Eye examinations of children are an important way to detect vision problems. Problems detected early have a higher chance of being treated successfully. The importance of their examinations may include:

• Monitoring Developmental Stages: As children grow and develop rapidly, the structure of their eyes constantly changes. Eye examinations provide the opportunity to detect any abnormalities at an early stage by monitoring these developmental stages.
• Effect on Learning Processes: Eyes play a key role in children's acquisition of reading, writing, mathematics and other basic skills. Eye examinations positively affect children's education processes by identifying vision problems.
• Detection of Lazy Eye and Strabismus: Examinations started at an early age can detect problems such as laziness in the eyes and improve the quality of life of children by addressing conditions such as strabismus at an early stage.
• Determining Refractive Errors: Examinations play an important role in determining refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, which are common in children. Early detection of these problems allows them to be corrected with appropriate glasses or lens prescription.
• Relationship with General Health: The first eye examination in children should be evaluated including the general health condition. Some problems during an eye exam can sometimes be a symptom of other health problems. Therefore, early diagnosis is important to protect general health.
• Supporting Social and Emotional Development: A healthy vision positively affects children's social interactions and emotional development. Eye examinations can contribute to the smooth development of children in these areas.

What are the symptoms of eye disorders in children?

Symptoms of eye disorders may appear differently in each child. Early diagnosis is an important step for the healthy development of children. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Squinted eyes
• Eye that turns in or out, unfocused
• Redness of the eyes
• Swelling of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling of the eyes
• Squinting
• Excessive eye rubbing
• Difficulty reading
• Turning head to see
• Abnormally large eyes
• Dooping eyelids

What should be the frequency of eye examination in children?

Eye problems can cause problems in school success, socialization and general quality of life. Therefore, it is important for children to have regular eye examinations. The question "When is an eye examination performed on children?" is an important question for parents who want to take precautions. The frequency of eye examinations in children is regulated to detect potential problems early and provide appropriate interventions. These examinations should be planned according to the different stages of the child's life. Examination frequency stages mostly include the following:

• Newborn Period: The first examination in children is performed immediately after birth. Newborn babies receive a pediatric eye exam immediately after birth. This examination aims to detect any congenital disease such as retinoblastoma or cataract and to provide early intervention if necessary.
• Infancy and the First Year: In the first year of babies, eye examination is included in the general health check. However, this examination is performed in detail, especially when the baby is 6 months old. During the examination, it evaluates basic eye health elements such as refraction errors and movement coordination.
• Preschool Period (1-5 Years): It is important for children to have their eyes examined annually between the ages of 2 and 5. This examination aims to detect potential problems early and provide appropriate treatment.
• Primary School and After: It is important that the frequency of examination is every two years, starting from the start of school and thereafter. Regular examinations are important as visual needs become more evident in school-age children.
• In Case of Obvious Symptoms: If the child has obvious eye-related problems or suspicious symptoms, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Symptoms may include frequent eye rubbing, headaches, difficulty reading, and redness of the eyes.

What is the Most Common Eye Problem in Children?

The healthy development of the eyes plays a critical role in growth and development processes. However, there are some common problems that can occur in children depending on various factors. Some of the most common eye problems in children are:

astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs due to the inability of light to focus properly in the eye. Children with astigmatism may see both near and far blurry.

Myopic

Myopia is a refractive error that causes problems with blurry distant vision. Children with myopia may see nearby objects clearly, but may see distant objects blurredly. Myopia usually occurs at school age and may progress over time.

Hypermetropic

Hyperopia is a refractive error that causes problems with blurred near vision. While children with hyperopia can see distant objects clearly, they may see nearby objects blurredly.

Strabismus

Strabismus refers to the condition in which the eyes cannot focus on the same point simultaneously. This condition usually begins in childhood and can lead to vision disorders if not diagnosed and treated early.

Other eye problems seen in children include:

• Lazy eye: One eye sees less than the other. is the situation. This disorder may occur after birth or in early childhood, usually as a result of strabismus or refractive errors.
• Dry eye: It is the drying of the surface of the eye. Dry eyes are usually caused by factors such as working in front of a computer for a long time, being in air-conditioned environments or being in dry weather. This disorder can be treated with drops or ointments prescribed by the doctor.
• Infection in the Eyes: Children are prone to possible infections in the eyes because they rub their hands on their eyes or touch an infected object while playing. Infections such as conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) manifest themselves with symptoms such as redness, watering and itching.
• Eye traumas: Traumas to the eyes can usually occur as a result of impact, impact or falling. These traumas can cause serious vision loss.
• Allergic Reactions: Exposure to allergens such as pollen, house dust or animal dander can cause allergies in children's eyes. This condition, which manifests itself with symptoms such as itching, redness and watering, can be managed by avoiding allergens and medication.

Should Babies Have Eye Examinations?

Babies begin to explore the world through their eyes. Therefore, eye examinations for babies are a critical part of the health of their eyes. This examination plays a critical role in early diagnosis of congenital problems. Examination of newborn babies is usually performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist in the maternity hospital. This examination aims to detect genetic or congenital diseases such as retinoblastoma or cataracts. In addition, it provides the opportunity to start appropriate treatment by identifying problems such as refractive errors or amblyopia at an early stage.

What Causes Eye Disorders in Children?

Defects in children's eyes may occur due to many factors. Some of these reasons are as follows:

• Genetic factors
• Developmental factors in early childhood
• Premature birth
• Screen screens such as tablets and phones habits
• Infections or injuries to the eyes
• Inadequate light conditions

Frequently asked Questions

Many different effects can be observed regarding the development of children's eyes in the early period. These examinations are very important for the early detection of possible disorders.

How is an Eye Examination Performed in Children?

Eye examination in children is performed by the doctor with games and attractive visuals that will attract the attention of children. . The doctor uses special medical equipment to evaluate the movements of the child's eyes, their lids, and their overall eye health. Optical tests and determination of eyeglass prescriptions are performed to accurately evaluate the child's visual ability. It is important for the child to be comfortable, so doctors usually try to create a fun environment.

At What Age Should Children Have an Eye Examination?

The first examination for children's eyes is usually before birth. It is done immediately after. After the first examination, routine examinations begin at approximately 6 months of age. During the first examination, the babies' eye coordination, visual abilities and possible genetic disorders are examined. Then, examinations continue at regular intervals depending on the child's age and eye health.

Disorders in children's eyes are a condition that may occur due to different reasons, and symptoms can be controlled with early treatment. Parents who want to monitor their children's health can have regular check-ups by making an appointment at the hospital's eye clinic or eye health center.

Source

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960696/

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