At Clínica Nivaria, we deeply understand the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment of eye conditions in children. We know that vision problems during childhood can not only impact academic performance but also affect a child's social and motor development. That's why our clinic is staffed with pediatric ophthalmology specialists who use approaches tailored to the unique needs of young patients.
Our team of professionals is highly trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of pediatric eye conditions , from common refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, to more complex conditions like strabismus, amblyopia (lazy eye), and congenital retinal diseases. Using state-of-the-art technology and techniques that minimize stress for children, Clínica Nivaria strives to provide a welcoming and safe environment for our young patients and their families , ensuring that every visit is as comfortable and effective as possible.
At what age should a child have their first eye exam?
It is recommended that all children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. This allows for the early detection of any problems that may affect visual development. Subsequent checkups should be performed at age 3 and before starting school, and regularly thereafter as recommended by the ophthalmologist.
What visual problems can be detected in children's examinations?
During a pediatric eye exam, conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus, and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be identified. The overall health of the eye is also checked to rule out rarer but serious diseases.
What are the signs of vision problems in children?
Warning signs include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, headaches, poor school performance, or disinterest in activities that require close-up vision. If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, it is advisable to schedule an appointment.
How are vision tests performed on young children who cannot read?
We use various specialized techniques and tools to examine the vision of children who cannot yet read, such as picture cards or special lights and lenses to assess how their eyes focus without the need for verbal responses.
What treatments are available for children with visual problems?
Treatments vary depending on the specific problem and may include glasses, eye patches, eye drops, or vision therapy. In more severe cases, such as certain types of strabismus, surgery may be necessary.
Is it safe for children to wear contact lenses?
Yes, contact lenses can be a safe option for many children, especially those involved in sports. However, it is crucial that hygiene and handling guidelines are strictly followed to prevent infections.
How can I help my child adjust to wearing glasses?
To help your child adjust to wearing glasses, choose frames they like and make sure they're comfortable. Positively reinforce wearing glasses by explaining how they help them see better. Consistency is key to getting used to wearing them every day.
What is strabismus and how is it treated in children?
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, where one or both eyes may turn in different directions. Treatment may include glasses, eye exercises, patching, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of strabismus.
Can my child's vision affect their school performance?
Uncorrected vision problems such as blurred vision can definitely significantly affect a child's school performance. Clear vision is crucial for reading, writing, and other educational activities.
When is surgery necessary for eye problems in children?
Surgery may be necessary for conditions such as congenital cataracts, pediatric glaucoma, or certain types of strabismus that do not respond to other treatments. The decision to operate depends on the specific condition and is always made considering the child's overall health and the potential to improve their vision and quality of life.
Refractive errors in childhood
Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) can appear at a very young age. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are vital to prevent future problems. When these eye conditions are not treated properly, the brain prioritizes the vision of the eye with the smaller refractive error and suppresses or stops using the other.
Refractive errors can be difficult to diagnose in children, which is why in the following section we provide a series of tips that can help detect them.
Symptoms that the child has a vision problem
- It's very similar to television or books.
- Stop paying attention easily (reading, games, class explanations).
- He doesn't like to read, he skips words, even lines, or he reads silently.
- He has a habit of vocalizing when he reads silently and of following the reading with his finger.
- He has poor visual perception, for example, he confuses "a" with "e", "u" and "n".
- Squint to look at or focus on distant details.
- He/She experiences frequent or unexplained headaches.
- He seems to have a lost look when talking to someone or his eyes move in a pendulum motion.
- Adopting torticollis (twisted neck) positions when reading or doing homework can eventually manifest as neck or back pain.
- He suffers from recurrent styes or blepharitis.
- He rubs his eyes frequently.
- He winks at sunrise.
However, the diagnosis is the responsibility of the Ophthalmologist, so if you detect any of these symptoms, make an appointment at the NIVARIA CLINIC for a proper evaluation.
Recommended reviews
At birth (pediatrics/ophthalmology):
Rule out congenital abnormalities: Congenital glaucoma, congenital cataract, malformations, tumors, congenital strabismus, congenital ptosis.
At 3-4 years old (pediatrics):
- Visual acuity (rule out lazy eye).
- Ocular motility (strabismus).
At age 6:
- First complete eye examination.
- Visual acuity (lazy eye).
- Ocular motility (strabismus).
- Graduation with drops.
- Fundus examination.
From age 6 onwards:
- Biennial review.
Childhood strabismus
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes due to deficiencies in the eye muscles. It is very common in childhood, especially from birth. The misalignment can be esotropia (inward turning), exotropia (outward turning), or hypertropia/hypotropia (upward or downward turning).
Early detection is crucial for proper treatment. If strabismus is not treated before the age of 7, the misaligned eye will not be able to focus the image correctly on the retina. This will result in irreversible vision loss, called strabismic amblyopia, along with the loss of normal binocular vision.
The treatment for strabismus varies depending on the underlying cause. One of the most common causes is an imbalance in the strength of the eye muscles. In this case, the treatment is surgical; if there is also a refractive error, corrective glasses will be used as well. If the strabismus is solely due to refractive errors, the treatment will consist of the permanent use of glasses to correct the eye alignment.
It is also important to prevent amblyopia, or "lazy eye," by using a patch over the healthy eye so that the other eye develops better vision.
It is vitally important to see an ophthalmologist as soon as any indication of strabismus is detected, in order to rule out that the causes may be related to tumors or lesions in the retina, as well as to start treatment as soon as possible.
Amblyopia
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a condition characterized by reduced vision in one or both eyes due to lack of use during a child's visual development period, which typically occurs before the age of seven. This can be caused primarily by strabismus (crossed eyes) or a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes.
Symptoms that can help identify this condition include, for example, the child frequently turning one eye inward, not properly recognizing family members at long distances, bringing objects very close to the face, having a white spot in the pupil, or being excessively sensitive to light.
Treatment involves two parts: correcting the underlying cause of amblyopia and stimulating the weaker eye. The stronger eye rests while the weaker eye does all the visual work. There are several ways to penalize the stronger eye, but patching it is one of the most common. However, the ophthalmologist must decide on the most appropriate treatment for each individual case. Early detection is crucial to prevent more serious consequences, such as total vision loss.
