Eye health in babies and children: what to look out for
Serious eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, lazy eye and retinopathy of prematurity can also occur in babies and children. Because children cannot tell that they see poorly, the first eye examination should take place in the first 6 months, followed by a yearly check.
Eye problems seen in children
Cataract, glaucoma, lazy eye, droopy eyelid, eye tumours and refractive errors (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism) can also affect children.
Risk factors:
- Inherited eye disease in the family
- Infections or medicines taken during pregnancy
- Premature birth, oxygen treatment in an incubator
- Injury or seizures after birth
Premature babies and ROP
Babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy are considered premature. Their retinal blood vessels may not finish developing, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can occur. The earlier the birth and the lower the weight, the higher the risk.
Untreated ROP can cause serious loss of vision. Babies at risk should be screened and, if needed, treated with laser or an injection of medicine into the eye.
Squint, white reflex and watering
- Squint: A constant squint usually means that eye is not seeing well.
- White reflex: A pupil that looks white instead of red in photos can be a sign of cataract or an eye tumour; see an eye doctor without delay.
- Watering and stickiness: Usually due to a congenital blocked tear duct, most of which open on their own within the first year. Massage shown by the doctor may help; if it does not settle, probing is done.
When should children have an eye examination?
A yearly eye check is recommended. If that is not possible, an examination should be done at least at these ages:
- First 6 months (by age 1 at the latest)
- Age 3: the period when lazy eye can be treated most effectively
- Before school (around 5½): difficulty in class may be due to a vision problem
Frequently asked questions
Why is an eye examination important for premature babies?
ROP can progress without any visible signs. Timely screening and, if needed, treatment help to prevent serious loss of vision.
My baby's eye waters all the time. What should I do?
Most blocked tear ducts open on their own within the first year. See an eye doctor if there is redness or swelling, or if the problem continues.
What does a white pupil in a photo mean?
The pupil normally looks red. A white reflex can be a sign of cataract or a tumour and needs an examination as soon as possible.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.