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What Is Congenital Glaucoma? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Explained

Congenital Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often regarded as a silent thief of sight, typically associated with aging. Very rarely, it can affect toddlers and infants, a condition which is referred to as congenital glaucoma. Unlike adult-onset glaucoma, this form of the disease is present at birth or develops within the first few years of life. To maintain vision and avoid lifelong complications, it is important to manage this disorder as soon as it is diagnosed. In this blog, we will equip you with the causes, symptoms, treatment options and prognosis of the condition so as to provide value for you as a parent or a medical enthusiast.

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What Is Congenital Glaucoma?

Congenital glaucoma is an uncommon form of glaucoma that impacts infants and toddlers, generally within the first year of life. It results from inadequate development of the eye’s drainage system during the intrauterine period, resulting in intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, which is characteristically glaucoma.

In a normal glaucoma eye, aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye) circulates through a drain located at the intersection between the iris and cornea, which euros. In congenital cases, this drainage system is either absent or disformed, leading to fluid retention and raised pressure. The increased pressure in turn, damages the optic nerve – responsible for relaying the visual signals to the brain.

In the absence of any other ocular or systemic abnormality, it’s also referred to as primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). In case of association with other conditions, it’s known as secondary congenital glaucoma. 

How Common Is Congenital Glaucoma?

Congenital glaucoma, albeit rare, remains a prominent cause of vision loss and blindness among children. The condition is estimated to occur in 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live births worldwide. It is more prevalent in populations that practice consanguineous (close-relative) marriages.

Boys tend to be slightly more affected than girls, and in approximately 70% of occurrences the condition is bilateral (affects both eyes).

Glaucoma Causes: What are the Common Causes of Congenital Glaucoma?

Common Causes of Congenital Glaucoma

 The congenital glaucoma causes are mainly associated to the congenital anomalies of the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle which are responsible for the outflow system of the aqueous humor.

Key Causes Include: 

Genetic Causes

  • Genetic alterations, including CYP1B1 gene mutations, are associated with primary congenital glaucoma.
  • Autosomal recessive is the most prevalent mode of inheritance.

Lack of Proper Development

  • Incomplete development of the drainage angle and meshwork during embryonic life.

Secondary Causes

  • Sturge-Weber and Axenfeld-Rieger syndromes are some of the secondary congenital glaucoma causing syndromes.

Important Note: Despite the role of family history, many congenital glaucoma cases are idiopathic. 

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Glaucoma

Unlike the adult form of glaucoma, which tends to be asymptomatic in the early stages, congenital glaucoma symptoms typically present early and can be quite concerning for caregivers. 

Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Glaucoma

Key Early Signs and Symptoms Are: 

Buphthalmos or abnormal ocular enlargement.

  • Because of the relatively soft structure of an infant’s eye, a proportion of elevated intraocular pressure can result in stretching of the eyeball.

Epiphora (excessive tearing)

  • This condition manifests as chronic tears.

Photophobia (light sensitivity)

  • In infants, this can present as avoiding bright lights with their eyes either closing or turning away.

Cloudy or hazy cornea

This shows the presence of corneal edema associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

  • Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
  • Irritability and poor vision development

Vision problems in infants usually appear alongside developmental delays, which many parents notice. Seeking professional help from a pediatric ophthalmologist is imperative, as treatment avenues reduce with age and can lead to irreversible vision damage. 

Congenital Glaucoma Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis of congenital glaucoma is critical to effective management and outcomes, which in turn depends on early intervention. The comprehensive assessment may involve:

  • Clinical evaluation using sedation or anesthesia

Infants often require general anesthesia for still examinations, so they do not move around during the procedure.

  • Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP)
  • Checking corneal diameter and clarity
  • Anterior chamber angle examination with gonioscopy
  • Evaluation of optic nerve
  • B-scan ultrasound if cloudy cornea obstructs view 

Some cases may benefit from genetic assessment or consultation, especially if there is a known history in the family.

Treatment Approaches for Congenital Glaucoma

 The main purpose of congenital glaucoma treatment is to manage intraocular pressure and prevent progressive damage to the optic nerve while attempting to preserve vision. In contrast to adult glaucoma, surgery is often the first treatment approach in children, as medications are unlikely to be effective on their own.

Surgical Treatments: 

Goniotomy

  • One of the more common first surgical approaches.
  • Involves opening the trabecular meshwork and the overlying portion of the cornea.

Trabeculotomy

  • Access and open the drainage canal from outside the eye.

Combined Trabeculotomy and Trabeculectomy

  • Usually performed in more advanced or severe cases.

Glaucoma Drainage Devices

  • Used when initial surgeries are unsuccessful.

Cyclophotocoagulation

  • Last resort laser treatment which reduces fluid production. 

Medications: 

The medications are not ideal for the long term, but may offer short-term solutions and should be prescribed by an experienced and learned doctor. These can be prescribed in the lead-up to surgery or when there are delays in surgical intervention.

Important Note: Consistent monitoring remains vital even with successful surgical intervention due to the risk of intraocular pressure rising after some time.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook

If congenital glaucoma is treated early, many children are able to preserve some level of vision. However, prognoses may differ based on:

  • Diagnosis and Detection Age
  • Condition’s Severity
  • Operative Procedure(s)
  • Associated eye or systemic conditions, if any 

Post-operative treatment may require children to undergo:

  • Vision therapy sessions
  • Spectacles or contact lenses
  • Ongoing pediatric ophthalmologist appointments
  • Amblyopia management in unilateral cases “lazy eye”

Close follow up is crucial to assess for potential IOP re-elevation, scarring, or other refractive changes.

Caring for a Child Blinded by Glaucoma: Things Parents Should Know

Looking after a glaucoma eye child may be difficult both emotionally and in day-to-day logistics. Parents can follow these steps to make it easier:

  • Adhere to regular checkups as advised by your doctor.
  • Look for signs of eye discomfort, redness, or photophobia, which can indicate elevated IOP.
  • Aid with visual therapies and aids if necessary.
  • Informed educators to support the child appropriately.
  • Be concerned of hereditary risks for future siblings and if needed, seek family planning advice from a genetic counsellor.


Also Read – How to Know When I Need to See a Neuro ophthalmologist?

Conclusion

Congenital glaucoma, although rare, is a condition of great concern due to its ability to cause permanent vision impairment. Untreated, it has the potential to severely diminish a child’s eyesight. Understanding the early signs and symptoms, identifying the glaucoma causes, and receiving timely congenital glaucoma treatment can significantly aid in a child’s visual refinement and overall development.

A glaucoma eye can be addressed through surgical, medical, or rehabilitative means, requiring collaboration from multiple health professionals and sustained effort. It is heartening to note that with increased advocacy and improvement in pediatric ophthalmology, there is a significantly better outcome for children who are diagnosed early with congenital glaucoma.

As a parent or caregiver, do monitor for changes in eye symptoms and act on them. Often, sustained early action leads to safeguarding vision along with boundless possibilities.

 

Understanding The Basics Of Oculoplastic Surgery: A Guide For Patients

Understanding The Basics Of Oculoplastic Surgery: A Guide For Patients

Oculoplastic Surgery is an important, specialised field of ophthalmology that focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions related to the eyelids, orbits, facial nerves, and lacrimal system. It is important to seek out an experienced oculoplastic surgeon if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the eye area due to trauma or birth defects such as ptosis (droopy eyelid) or obstructed tear ducts.

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Oculoplastic surgery can reduce inflammation and restore functionality to the eyes, relieving symptoms and even improving vision in certain cases. Common surgeries performed by an oculoplastic specialist include vision correction procedures, eyelid repositioning, orbital reconstruction, ptosis repair, and brow lifts.

For those in need of specialized care for their eyes and surrounding facial structures, make sure to find a skilled oculoplastic surgeon who can take on your unique case with confidence. Read on to learn more about the procedure, and in case you are searching for an oculoplastic surgery hospital, please refer to the ending part of the article.

Conditions Treated Using Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery is an area of medicine that specialises in the care and treatment of issues involving the structures around the eye. The highly-trained specialists involved in this type of surgery can diagnose and treat a range of conditions, from simple cosmetic eyelid rejuvenations to complex skull base reconstructions. Popular treatments include removing tumors or cysts near the eyes, repairing droopy eyelids or upper brows known as ptosis, correcting facial asymmetry due to paralysis or trauma, and treating watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts.

Oculoplastic surgeons are also experienced in reconstructive treatments following illness such as ocular cancer. Through their knowledge and expertise, oculoplastic specialists can greatly improve each patient’s overall appearance, comfort and well-being – giving them peace of mind through effective treatment of their condition.

Is It Safe To Have Oculoplastic Surgery?

Oculoplastic surgery can be a safe and life-changing way to improve your vision and bring out the best in your appearance. However, it is important to take certain precautions before undergoing the procedure. Before having oculoplastic surgery, it is essential to select a qualified surgeon with experience in performing this type of procedure as well as knowledge of relevant safety protocols.

You should also never start any medication or herb without consulting a doctor first, and make sure you fully understand all of the risks associated with the procedure. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor so that he/she can adjust the dosage properly or advise against taking part. Finally, adhere to all preoperative instructions that your doctor provides in order to ensure a safe and successful result from your oculoplastic surgery.

When To Seek The Help Of An Oculoplastic Surgeon?

When you experience chronic dryness, redness and inflammation in your eyes, or deal with vision problems resulting from allergies or infection, it may be time to seek the help of an oculoplastic surgeon. Oculoplastic surgeons specialise in treating the eyelids, orbit (the area around the eyes), and tear ducts. They can offer reconstructive surgery to correct deformities, improve vision by restoring eyelid position, remove tumors and lumps near the eyes, treat blocked tear ducts, repair stretched-out eye muscles that cause double vision, and more. Additionally, they offer treatments such as Botox injections and cosmetic enhancements such as blepharoplasties. Although getting therapy from an oculoplastic surgeon can be daunting if you are not used to it, their skill set makes this specialist very well-suited for identifying and treating complex diseases affecting your eyes and face.

Find The Best Oculoplastic Surgery Hospital

If you are searching for one of the best oculoplastic surgery hospitals, you can visit Noble Eye Care. It is a super specialty eye care centre founded and run by AIIMS Alumni. The mission of the centre is to provide eye care par excellence in an ethical and compassionate manner.

Read also – Neuro-Ophthalmology: An Introduction To The Eye-Brain Connection

Neuro-Ophthalmology: An Introduction To The Eye-Brain Connection

Neuro-Ophthalmology: An Introduction To The Eye-Brain Connecti

Neuro-ophthalmology is an important practice in ophthalmology focused on the evaluation of vision and eye-related disorders linked to the nervous system. When these issues are caused by changes or additional issues within the brain, spinal cord, meninges, or orbit, this medical specialty is uniquely experienced in diagnosing and treating the cause. It can involve numerous different tests and is heavily focused on neurology, with issues such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors that must be addressed with thorough care and attention. As a whole, neuro-ophthalmology improves the quality of life for those seeking help from this type of specialist as it takes into account all aspects of visual loss.

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The Need To See A Neuro-Ophthalmology

Neuro-ophthalmology is a specialized branch of medicine dealing with diseases and disorders related to the eye and its relationship to the brain. Seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist can be beneficial in diagnosing various vision-threatening conditions such as optic neuritis, strabismus, or amblyopia.

Additionally, a neuro-ophthalmologist can help detect visual disturbances that are caused by more serious medical conditions, like stroke, tumors, or multiple sclerosis. Because of the highly specialized nature of this field, people seeking treatment for their eyes need not just regular eye care but also the expertise of a specialist in this area who understands its complexities and how it relates to other bodily functions. Although rare, these conditions remain potentially serious, and seeing a neuro-ophthalmology is key to providing an effective diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can Eye Tests Detect Neurological Problems?

Many people are unaware that a simple eye test may be able to detect early signs of neurological problems. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if a person’s vision is operating on all cylinders and can even identify the presence of certain neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

During the exam, doctors will closely examine a patient’s retinas and erect pupils, taking note of any abnormalities. While an eye test alone cannot definitively diagnose any particular condition, it can be used to indicate potential issues which require further exploration. Therefore, having an eye exam regularly is especially important for those with high-risk factors as this may be one of the first signs implying something is awry in the brain.

Situations When One Should See A Neuro-Ophthalmologist

  • Seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist is important if you experience any signs of loss or disturbance of vision.
  • If you notice swelling, bulging, abnormal movements, or pain in your eye and surrounding area, it’s best to seek help from a knowledgeable professional who can diagnose and treat these symptoms.
  • Beyond that, those who suffer from double vision or drooping eyelids may also find relief from diagnosis by an expert specializing in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.
  • Stress has known effects on vision as well, so seeking out a neuro-ophthalmologist for regular check-ups can be beneficial for those dealing with long-term anxiety. Ultimately, when it comes to protecting your vision and maintaining eye health over time, finding the right specialist can make all the difference.

On Finding The Best Neuro-Ophthalmologist In Delhi NCR

When it comes to finding the best neuro-ophthalmology doctors in Delhi, one of the most important factors to consider is the training, level of expertise, and experience. Not only are highly experienced doctors better able to diagnose health issues, but they can provide more comprehensive treatments that have a higher success rate. In India itself, there are a handful of neuro-ophthalmologists and of these only a few are in Delhi NCR.

Additionally, be sure to find out which hospitals these doctors are practicing in and what kind of patient care and services they offer. Researching multiple clinics and centers of excellence will also help make an informed decision. No matter what your needs are, you can rest assured that when it comes to finding top-notch specialists for neuro-ophthalmology in Delhi, you can always rely on trusted resources such as medical networks & portals for assistance.

Concluding Remarks – Find The Best Neuro-Ophthalmologist In Delhi

Are you searching for more information on neuro-ophthalmology or are you looking for the best neuro-ophthalmologists in Delhi? Then, please schedule an appointment with an eye specialist using this webpage.

Read also – How to Know When I Need to See a Neuro ophthalmologist?

FAQs

What is neuro-ophthalmology?

Neuro-ophthalmology is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with neurological and visual disorders that affect the eye, optic nerve, and brain. It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the visual pathways and visual function of the brain.

When should one see a neuro-ophthalmology doctor?

One should see a neuro-ophthalmology doctor if one experiences symptoms like double vision, vision loss, visual hallucinations, eye movement disorders, or unexplained headaches. These symptoms may indicate a neurological problem that requires specialized evaluation and treatment.

How to find the best neuro-ophthalmology doctors in Delhi?

You can find the best neuro-ophthalmology doctors in Delhi by asking for referrals from your primary care physician or ophthalmologist, researching online, checking the doctor’s credentials and experience, and reading reviews from previous patients. It’s also important to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and evaluate the doctor’s expertise and communication skills.

Why do regular eye checkups?

Regular eye checkups are important to maintain good eye health and to detect any potential eye problems early. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, may not have any noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye exams can help detect these conditions early, allowing for timely treatment to prevent or minimize vision loss. Additionally, an eye exam can also detect other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can have an impact on eye health. Please seek guidance from an eye doctor to learn how frequently should you need eye checkups done.

squint treatments

Get Rid of Those Annoying Squints: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Do you have an annoying squint that’s ruining your appearance and making it difficult to see? Squints are a common eye condition in which the eyes point in different directions, causing them to look in two different directions at the same time. They can be caused by several factors and can be treated with a range of Squint treatments

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In this blog post from Noble Eye Care, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for squints to help you get rid of those annoying squints.

Types of Squint

In most cases, squints are present from birth or early childhood. If you notice that your child has any type of squint, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome. With prompt treatment, most people can achieve a full recovery from their squint and live a normal life.

1) Esotropia

This type of squint involves an inward turning of the eye. It is more common in children and is sometimes known as a “cross-eye” or “wall-eye”.

2) Exotropia

This type of squint involves an outward turning of the eye. It is more common in adults and can often be seen when someone looks in a certain direction, such as up and to the left.

3) Hypertropia

This type of squint involves an upward turning of one eye. This can cause double vision, blurred vision, and headaches.

4) Hypotropia

This type of squint involves a downward turning of one eye. This can also cause double vision, blurred vision, and headaches.

5) Alternating Squint

This type of squint occurs when each eye turns in different directions at different times. This can cause the person to have difficulty focusing on objects and may also lead to headaches.

Squint Treatment

Squint treatment involves corrective eyeglasses, vision therapy, eye exercises, or in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the squint. Let’s learn more about squint treatment options.

1) Eyeglasses

The most common type of treatment for squints is the use of eyeglasses, which can correct vision problems caused by squinting. Eyeglasses may also be used to help correct the misalignment of the eyes.

2) Surgery

Surgery is another option for treating squints. This involves surgically realigning the muscles that control eye movement. In some cases, the eyeballs may need to be repositioned to straighten them out.

3) Vision therapy

Vision therapy is a type of therapy that helps to improve the way the eyes move together, helping to reduce squinting and other related issues. This form of treatment can also help improve eye coordination and visual skills.

4) Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce or eliminate squinting. These changes include avoiding harsh lighting, limiting time spent staring at screens, and reducing stress. It’s also important to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

5) Eye exercises

Performing certain eye exercises can help strengthen the eye muscles, resulting in improved vision and reduced squinting. Eye exercises can range from simple tasks such as tracing letters and focusing on different objects to more complex activities such as eye-hand coordination drills.

Exercise Ideas for Squint Treatment without Surgery

These exercises can be beneficial for treating mild squints and may even prevent them from getting worse. However, if squinting persists or gets worse, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

1) Eye rolling

Rolling the eyes gently in a circular motion for about 10 seconds can help relax and strengthen the eye muscles that are causing the squint.

2) Palming

Covering the eyes with the palms of your hands helps relax the eye muscles and increase blood circulation to the area.

3) Pencil pushups

Holding a pencil at arm’s length, then pushing it towards the nose and back to arm’s length again can help strengthen the eye muscles.

4) Focusing

Switching focus between objects that are close and far away is another exercise that helps strengthen the eye muscles.

5) Eye rotations

Gently rotating the eyes in a clockwise direction and then anti-clockwise can also help strengthen the eye muscles.

6) Eye relaxation

Closing your eyes and visualizing a calming image can help relax the eye muscles and reduce squinting.

Conclusion

Squinting may seem like an innocent enough act, but it can have serious implications for your vision. In some cases, squinting can be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be addressed. Whether you’re experiencing frequent squints or have noticed your child squinting more often than usual, it’s important to understand what causes them, what symptoms to look out for, and how to treat them.

Read also – How to Know When I Need to See a Neuro ophthalmologist?

How to Know When I Need to See a Neuro ophthalmologist?

How to Know When I Need to See a Neuro ophthalmologist?

Are you dealing with eye problems and can’t seem to find relief? You may be wondering if it’s time to see a neuro-ophthalmologist in Gurgaon. Neuro ophthalmologists in Gurgaon are medical specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the eyes, optic nerves, brain, and nervous system. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it might be time to consider seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist. In this blog post from Noble Eye Care, we’ll discuss what a neuro-ophthalmologist in Gurgaon does and how to know when it’s time to seek their help.

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1) If you have any doubts, it is always best to see a specialist

If you are experiencing any vision issues, it is important to seek neuro-ophthalmology service and figure out if your eye problem is serious. In some cases, a neuro-ophthalmologist may be needed. A neuro-ophthalmologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions that affect the eyes.

Some symptoms which may warrant a visit to the neuro-ophthalmologist include severe headaches, blurry or double vision, involuntary eye movements, loss of peripheral vision, and sudden vision loss.

If you are unsure if your condition requires a neuro-ophthalmology service, it is best to consult with your primary care doctor or ophthalmologist who can provide an evaluation and referral if necessary. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your vision. If you have any doubts, seek medical attention right away and make sure that you get the care you need.

2) Sudden onset of vision problems

If you suddenly experience vision problems, it is important to seek medical attention from a neuro-ophthalmologist. This type of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the eye, brain, and nervous system.

Some common symptoms that should be taken seriously and warrant a visit to a neuro-ophthalmologist include sudden loss of vision, double vision, blurred vision, poor night vision, or other vision changes. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, or have had a recent head injury, these are also signs that you should visit a neuro-ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

3) Progressive vision loss

If you are experiencing progressive vision loss, it is important to consider a visit to a neuro-ophthalmologist. This type of specialist is trained in the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases.

Neuro-ophthalmologists are also uniquely qualified to evaluate visual disturbances that originate from neurological causes such as optic neuritis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. They can also provide effective treatment for vision impairments resulting from such conditions. If you are having problems with your eyesight and suspect something more than the ordinary, it is worth consulting a neuro-ophthalmologist for a proper assessment and treatment plan.

4) Diplopia or binocular vision problems

If you’re having issues with diplopia or binocular vision problems, it may be time to visit a neuro-ophthalmologist.

Diplopia, commonly known as double vision, is an eye condition that occurs when both eyes point in different directions, resulting in two images of a single object being seen. While this can sometimes be corrected with eyeglasses, if it persists, it may be an indication of an underlying medical condition and requires further examination by a neuro-ophthalmologist.

Similarly, binocular vision problems, such as difficulty with depth perception and stereopsis (the ability to fuse two images into one three-dimensional image), can also be caused by an underlying issue and should not be overlooked. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t delay—schedule an appointment with a neuro-ophthalmologist today.

5) Severe headaches with vision symptoms

Headaches accompanied by vision symptoms such as blurry or double vision, seeing spots, blind spots, or a loss of peripheral vision may warrant a visit to a neuro-ophthalmologist. If the headaches are severe and persistent, these symptoms should not be ignored, as they could be indicative of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Conclusion

Eye problems can be scary and make us worry about our vision, but many times they don’t require a neuro-ophthalmology service. However, if you’re having vision problems that are serious or recurrent, it may be time to seek a specialist. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five situations in which it’s important to make an appointment with a neuro-ophthalmologist. From double vision to sudden blindness, we’ll explain when your eye problem is serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor.

human eye anatomy

Eye Problems in Children

Refractive error (requirement of glasses), amblyopia (lazy eye) and squint make up majority of the eye problems seen in children these days.

Refractive error or the need for glasses due to weak eyes is considered to be on the rise. Recent research has shown that nearly 20% of blindness (especially in the young) by proportion and about three fourth of visual impairment is caused by refractive error, the most common form of which is shortsightedness (myopia). Refractive error if not corrected may lead to amblyopia, squint and even a hindrance in the normal social development of a child. Children with refractive error may complain of not being able to see the blackboard or may sit close to the TV or may read their books from very close. If these signs are there, the child must be examined for need of glasses. In this process, some eye drops are put and the power of the eye checked with machines and manually. Refractive errors are easy to correct with glasses which need to be worn constantly in children.

Amblyopia refers to reduced vision in one or both eyes due to either a squint or non-use of glasses in early childhood. In this case, the weaker eye becomes lazy and the brain reduces its ability to see even though the problem may be corrected at a later age. Proper eye checkup and screening in the early childhood years can prevent this form of visual impairment. The treatment for amblyopia is best done at an early age and involves giving glasses and patching of one of the eyes and/or squint surgery.

Squint refers to misalignment of the two eyes whereby both the eyes are seeing in different directions. It is not only cosmetically bad looking but also reduces binocularity (the ability of the eyes to see together to perceive depth). The treatment of squint is done by prescribing glasses and surgery. The squint should be corrected early in childhood, sometimes even before 1 year of age, to get the best outcome.

Children will often not realize they are having an eye problem. It is the responsibility of the parents and teachers to ensure good eye health and regular eye checkup for them.

glaucoma eye view

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is a disease in which there is progressive irreversible damage to the optic nerve, often as a result of high pressure in the eye. It results in loss of visual field (the area around us that we can see) and eventually vision loss and finally blindness. It is counted among the most common causes for blindness in India and is estimated to affect over 12 million people in India, around one fifth of the worldwide burden. In various studies in India, it has been observed that over 90% of glaucoma was undiagnosed and found only during the survey. The chances of developing glaucoma are high if anyone else in the family has glaucoma. Glaucoma is called as a silent thief of vision because in majority of the cases, it does not present with any symptoms or signs and by the time it is diagnosed, a significant part of the vision is lost. However, in a few cases it may present with heaviness and pain in the eye, coloured halos (rings of colour around light), blurred vision and redness in the eye. Diagnosis of glaucoma requires a few eye tests. These include measuring the pressure of the eye, inspection of the optic nerve, assessment of the visual fields and evaluation of the optic nerve in detail with machines like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

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how a person with glaucoma sees the world

Depiction of how a person with glaucoma sees the world

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the eye pressure, extent of damage to the optic nerve and type of glaucoma. It may include eye drops (which need to be put regularly at a specific time, often for life) or laser therapy (which generally involves creating a small opening in the iris to allow the fluid in the eye to drain effectively) or surgery (which involves creating an opening in the white sclera of the eye to allow the pressure in the eye to reduce). It is very important to be on a regular follow up with the eye doctor if glaucoma is diagnosed. Blindness due to glaucoma is preventable and avoidable. Be aware and go for a regular eye checkup if you are over 40 years of age, have a family history of glaucoma, have diabetes, use high powered glasses, have used steroids in the past or currently using, have a heart problem or history of previous eye surgery or eye disease.

 

  • DIGVIJAY SINGH,

MD, FAICO

Pediatric ophthalmology, squint and Glaucoma specialist,

Director, Noble Eye Care, Gurgaon

www.drdigvijaysingh.com