The eyes play a central role in child development. Poor vision can severely affect this. Since young children are not yet able to communicate and do not know what normal vision feels like, they are particularly at risk of missing out on an eye problem. This often leads to permanent weak-sightedness, which can no longer be treated later in life.
Low-sightedness or amblyopia occurs when vision loss prevents the normal development of vision in the brain. The earlier vision is corrected, the greater the chance that the eye will achieve normal vision.
Defective vision (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) and strabismus (squinting) are most commonly detected by an ophthalmologist. Eye problems such as retinal diseases, congenital cataracts, retinal tumours, congenital glaucoma and diseases of the lacrimal ducts can also be ruled out by ophthalmologists. Early treatment of these eye diseases can effectively prevent the development of weak-sightedness.
Severe forms of visual impairment, such as congenital cataracts, are identified by the pediatrician as early as the first year of life and referred for ophthalmological treatment. From the age of 3, children should be examined by an ophthalmologist every two years.
As soon as the children enter school, there is another risk to eye health, known as school myopia or school myopia. This is caused by close work (reading and writing) and can deteriorate rapidly, which can later lead to retinal detachment, macular disease, glaucoma and even cataracts.
In the case of the so-called myopia control The eyes are measured at regular intervals using special devices. The measurement values are documented and checked for progression of myopia so that treatment can be initiated at an early stage if necessary.
If corneal curvature changes during adolescence, this is often associated with corneal disease. In so-called keratoconus, the cornea bulges ever further forward, which can lead to the need for a corneal transplant. If this disease is detected early enough, easier treatment can stop its progression without the need for a transplant. (Crosslinking)
