Children are the most precious possessions that parents hold dear. Despite this, many children suffer from vision problems that affect their lives due to their parents' neglect. Incorrect or incomplete information from parents often leads to delays in treatment.
Kudret Eye Istanbul ophthalmologist Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek discusses the importance of eye examinations for children, common eye diseases in children, when and how often the first eye examination should be conducted, and ways to reduce the fear of examination.
8 - 9 Years Old is the Critical Limit for Amblyopia Treatment!
Kudret Eye Istanbul ophthalmologist Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek emphasizes the importance of eye health in children with these words: “Providing a healthy, bright future for children is the primary duty of every parent and adult. It is essential to care for children's eye health from infancy. Just like adults, infants and children can also suffer from eye diseases. Astigmatism, hyperopia, myopia, amblyopia, strabismus, and tear duct obstruction are common eye diseases in infants and children. More rarely, we see cataracts, glaucoma, developmental abnormalities of the eye, eye tumors, and similar eye diseases in children and newborns. Some eye diseases that are not diagnosed early become harder to treat as the child grows. Untreated diseases can lead to permanent vision loss. For example, strabismus, one of the most common diseases in children, if left untreated, can lead to amblyopia. Amblyopia negatively affects children's lives by reducing both vision and depth perception. The critical age limit for treating amblyopia is 8 - 9 years old. Unfortunately, cases beyond this age range do not respond to treatment as desired.”
Vision Problems Affect School Performance!
With the start of the semester break and report card season, Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek warns parents that vision problems can lead to learning difficulties: “Children with untreated vision problems may struggle to read books or see the blackboard. Vision problems can also lead to balance issues, negatively affecting children's physical and hand-eye coordination activities. These difficulties can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy, negatively impacting their mental health. Games that require catching or throwing a ball or avoiding lines can cause performance anxiety, hindering their socialization. Vision problems can affect children's success, perception, learning, and expression abilities. Untreated eye diseases can also lead to aesthetic concerns as the child grows older. Parents' and teachers' attention, cooperation, and sensitivity in this matter will light up the child's entire future.”
The First Examination in Children is Crucial!
Dr. Baylançiçek shares information about when and how often children should be examined: “The first eye examination should be done by a pediatrician right after birth. In this initial examination, the doctor checks for any congenital abnormalities in the eye. They use a light to check the pupil's reaction to light. If any abnormalities are detected, the baby should be immediately referred to an eye specialist. If there are no abnormalities, the baby should be examined by a specialist at 6 and 12 months. At the slightest complaint or indication of an eye problem, parents should consult an eye specialist. Even if no disease symptoms are observed, regular eye examinations should be repeated at ages 3 and 5 and annually during school years.”
Early Diagnosis of Diseases: The Family's Role is Crucial!
Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek emphasizes the family's significant role in early detection of eye diseases in children and warns about the symptoms: “The family plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in infants and children. Parents should be good observers and pay attention to their children's physical condition and behaviour. Eye diseases can cause symptoms such as eye misalignment, discharge, redness, swelling, and drooping eyelids. Frequent blinking, rubbing eyes, squinting, closing one eye, tilting the head to one side, watching TV too closely, or holding objects very close, using a finger to mark where they are reading, headaches, dizziness, and learning difficulties are common signs of vision problems. If any of these are noticed, an eye doctor should be consulted immediately.”
How to Reduce the Fear of Eye Examinations in Children?
Kudret Eye Istanbul ophthalmologist Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek shares these tips to make eye examinations easier for children:
  • Schedule the appointment according to your child's sleep pattern, except in emergencies.
  • Do not use doctors, treatments, or medical personnel as threats to discipline or deter unwanted behaviours. For example, avoid phrases like “If you don’t finish your meal, I’ll take you to the doctor,” which can make them see doctor visits as a punishment.
  • Inform your child before visiting the doctor. Explain what will happen during the examination and the benefits.
  • Be honest with your child. For example, saying “The doctor will give you an injection, but it won’t hurt at all” can reduce their trust in you and doctors. Instead, say “The doctor will give you an injection; it will sting for a moment, but it will pass quickly.”
  • Give positive messages and examples about doctors and medical personnel that your child can understand. Why not make the heroes in the stories you read a doctor or nurse?
  • Dress your child in their favourite clothes and bring their favourite toy to the appointment.
  • Buy age-appropriate medical playsets and play doctor with your child.
  • Plan an enjoyable activity after every doctor’s visit, such as reading a story, playing their favourite game, going to the park, or eating their favourite food. This will help them associate doctor visits with positive experiences.
  • Do not project your fears and anxieties onto your child. Avoid negative comments about illness or displaying anxious or fearful behaviours in front of them. Your anxiety will increase their fear. Strive to remain calm.
Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.