Xerophthalmia (Vitamin A deficiency)
Xerophthalmia
is caused due to deficiency of Vitamin A. It leads
to dryness of eyes, patches on conjunctiva & corneal ulcer.
It is also a major cause of night blindness. It can be treated
by giving oral dose of vitamin A. Vitamin A
is found abundantly in carrots & fruits like papaya, mango
& green vegetable. (Drumstick is the cheapest source of vitamin
A)
Refractive
errors (Child may require spectacles)
If
a child holds books close to eyes or watches T.V. from very close
distance or complains of regular headache & eye strain one
should be suspicious that he/she may have a refractive error like
myopia (short sightedness), Hypermetropia (long sightedness),
Astigmatism (irregular curvature of cornea). It can be corrected
by giving desired glasses & vision can be improved. Refractive
error may be due to hereditary or developmental causes.
In
such cases ophthalmic check-up is required at regular intervals
to detect changes in power of the glasses.
Squint
Squint
is a condition where two eyes do not function together. This can
be:
Convergent
squint is the condition where eyeballs turn towards
each other close to nose.
Divergent
squint where eyeballs turn away from each other.
Squint
can be corrected by giving glasses and if necessary surgically.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus
is involuntary oscillation of the eyes. It may or may not be associated
with albinism (absence of pigment melanin). If associated with
albinism it causes photophobia, so dark glasses are advised.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
When
high refractive error is left untreated for longer time or when
there is large difference in refractive error between the two
eyes, the non-dominating (weaker) eye becomes "lazy"
(amblyopia). There are other causes of amblyopia. For this a thorough
ophthalmic check-up is required and appropriate treatment can
be given.
NOTE:
Care
of eyes
Clean
the eyes of the child whenever possible.
Keep the hands of the child clean.
Avoid rubbing of the eyes.
Keep sharp objects away from children.
Regular eye check-up to detect any eye problems at an early stage.
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Last
updated on 28-03-2001