The Growing Eye

Dr. Rahul Shroff MS (Ophth) FMRF

Shroff Eye Clinic

Shroff Eye Hospital

THIS MAY BE HOW YOUR CHILD SEESAnd he may not even know something’s not right

Why should we be concerned?

• 1 in 4 children have eye problems that can affect reading

• Development of the visual system is extremely age sensitive

Hence, early detection and treatment of visual problems is absolutely critical

Common eye problems in children

• Refractive errors (spectacle number)– 80% of visual impairment in children is due to this

factor– Myopia (near-sightedness)– Hypermetropia (far-sightedness)– Anisometropia

• Lazy eye– Seen in 1% of children

• Squint (crossed-eyes)

Protecting your child’s eyesight

• Sports and your child’s eye– All impact injuries can be prevented by using proper

eye protection

– Use polycarbonate plastic for lenses and use proper frames

• Swimming and your child’s eye– Chlorine in pools causes irritation

– Danger of freshwater infections

– Use water tight swimming goggles

Protecting your child’s eyesight

• VDUs and our child’s eye– Can give rise to eyestrain,

headaches, burning, itching, blurring of vision, double vision and fatigue

– Computer monitors: Place so as to minimize reflection and at eye level (preferred viewing distance: 60-80 cms)

Protecting your child’s eyesight

– TV: Watch in a softly illuminated room, never in a dark one (preferred viewing distance: 3-4 mts)

– Reading: Place the light source behind your child (Reading material at a distance of 12-14 inches)

Preserving your child’s eyesight

• Loss of vision is the most feared disability

• Higher incidence when there is a eye problem in the family

• Many problems also linked to lifestyle choices – poor dietary habits, excessive UV exposure

Be proactive

• Start with the diet– Emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains

and nuts

– Organic low-fat yogurt and eggs

– Small amount of fish

– Natural unprocessed food

– Avoid junk food

Will help preserve the circulation to the retina, visual nerve cells and the lens

Be proactive

• Add exercise for circulation– Helps maintain a low blood pressure– Improves circulation to the heart– Preserves blood vessels and maintains blood flow

• Protect from UV light– Prevents oxidative damage to the lens– Delays degeneration of lens and retina– Some sunlight important for vitamin D

production– Use hats and UV-filtering sunglasses

Be proactive

• Dietary supplements– Over 25% of childhood blindness

caused due to vitamin A deficiency

– Helpful nutrients: Vitamin E and C, zinc, amino acids

– Improve vision and protect the macula and the lens

Eye examination in children• Vision screening should be done

between 3 ½ and 4 years of age• Newborn’s eyes should be

examined by a pediatrician• All premature infants should be

examined by an ophthalmologist

• Conduct routine screening of school children• Any appearance of visual impairment symptoms entails a detailed eye examination

The gift of vision is precious. And it’s never too early to help your child have a

bright future

Thank You for your time

Shroff Eye Hospital & Lasik Centre222, S V Road,

Near Suburbia Movie Theatre,Bandra West,

Mumbai- 400050.Maharashtra.

Shroff Eye ClinicGobind Mahal,8-B,N. Subhash RoadMarine Drive,Mumbai- 400002.Maharashtra.

022 - 66921000022 - 66921000

Shroffeye.org Lasikindia.in Smilerelex.com

022 - 22814077022 - 22814077