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.



Last updated on 28-03-2001