Eye problems in newborns

In order for a child to have normal vision and development, an eye doctor should examine the child's eye regularly. There are conditions that commonly occur in infants that, if diagnosed early, can be successfully treated. Some of these diseases can only be discovered by an eye examination. However, parents should also report any changes or abnormalities in a child's eye to the eye doctor so that these problems can be evaluated and managed.

Congenital Cataracts

Some infants are born with a cloudy natural lens, which is called a cataract. Cataracts can develop for a variety of reasons like trauma or disease after birth as well. Because the cataract can block the development of vision in the eye of an infant or child, it is important to diagnose this condition and plan a cataract extraction as soon as possible. After removing the cloudy lens, the surgeon can place an artificial lens into the eye or the infant can wear glasses or contact lenses to allow the eye to develop appropriately.

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity occurs in premature infants. In these infants, the retina in the back of the eye does not fully develop and is replaced with blood vessels and fibrous scar tissue. The scar tissue can lead to retinal detachment and poor vision in the affected eye. Premature infants should be examined by an eye doctor shortly after birth so that this condition can be treated with laser if it is present.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection caused by either a bacteria or a virus. Bacterial infections tend to have more discharge and can be treated with antibiotic drops. Viral infections usually cannot be treated with medication and will improve over time. According to the Patient UK website, if this infection occurs within the first 28 days of life, it is called ophthalmia neonatorum. This type of infection is often caused by some bacteria that the infant came in contact with during birth. To prevent this infection, infants are given antibiotic drops or ointments at birth.

Nasolacrimal Obstruction

Some infants have excess tears that flow down the side of the face; one reason for this symptom is a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. The drainage channel for the eye may not be fully open at birth; this could lead to an infection as well as the tearing. According to the Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, about 5 percent of all infants have systems of this condition in one or both eyes and 90 percent of these clear by themselves during the baby's first year of life. If the situation does not resolve itself, the drainage channel can be opened by probing or with a surgical procedure.

Ptosis

According to the Academy of Ophthalmology, another common eye problem in infants is ptosis which is the drooping of the upper eyelid; this can block vision in the affected eye. This condition can also impact the development of the vision in the eye; however, most children tip the head back to see out of the eye or lift the eyelid up. A surgical procedure strengthening the muscle at lifts the eyelid can treat this problem.

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