Premature Babies and Eye Problems
Sunday, May 15th, 2022, 9:50 am
If you are the parent of a premature baby, you no doubt know that there are some health conditions your little one is more likely to suffer from. Along with these, of course, are problems with the eyes and seeing properly. It is important to know that pediatric eye exams can catch problems early, which can lead to important treatments that can make a huge difference in your child’s life.
Retinopathy of prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity usually only occurs in premature babies. Although it can be serious enough to cause vision loss, most cases are actually mild. In this condition, blood vessels in the eye grow abnormally, and they are so fragile that they can leak blood into the eye. Eventually this can cause scar tissue and lead to blindness. An eye exam is the only way to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity – premature babies are often tested for this at 4 to 9 weeks after birth.
Strabismus
In this condition, the muscles around the eyes don’t work together as they should, and the eyes point in different directions. It can occur in a premature baby because the baby’s brain hasn’t had enough time to develop properly, making it difficult for these muscles to be controlled. This can be treated with an eye patch, eyedrops, or surgery. You should talk to your child’s doctor if you notice their eyes are crossed. It is treatable, but can become permanent if it isn’t treated early.
The importance of pediatric eye exams
It is important to have your child’s eyes checked to make sure they are growing as they should, but even more so if your child was premature. If these and other eye conditions are caught and treated early, your child can have better vision throughout their lives.
If your little one was premature and extra attention should be paid to their eyesight, if something just doesn’t seem right with their eyes, or if it’s just time for a vision exam for your kids, Marion Eye Center and Optical can help! Contact the office in Illinois (800-344-7058) or the office in Missouri (877-269-4545) for an appointment today!
Category: Eye Care for Kids, Pediatric Eye Care
