Definition
The most common visual disorders in children are myopia, hyperopia or strabismus. The visual defects can be either acquired or congenital. In order to detect visual disorders at an early stage and to treat them, U9 carries out an eye test at the age of five years before entering school.
In the other U examinations (preventive child check-ups), strabismus (strabismus) is taken into account. If a strabismus is detected, the child is referred to an ophthalmologist or neurologist to investigate the cause and correct it. Strabismus can be detected by the pediatrician in the first days of life if it is very severe. Therefore, it can be treated quickly and well.
Causes
The causes of visual disorders in children can be different. In general, it can be said that congenital myopia and hyperopia are caused by an eyeball that is either too long or too short. As a result, the light does not reach the retina and the image cannot be sharply focused.
This can also occur over time. Other causes can be a slackening of the ciliary muscle, which serves to adapt (accommodate) the lens. However, this rarely happens in childhood, but rather in adulthood.
Strabismus is the result of an imbalance of the muscles in the eye. The eye has a total of six muscles that control eye movements. If one muscle predominates, it can lead to strabismus.
Strabismus can also be caused by a brain nerve failure. Certain cranial nerves control the eye muscles. The problem of strabismus must be treated by an eye doctor or neurologist.
Associated symptoms
Accompanying symptoms of hyperopia can be headaches. For example, when children develop a pronounced strabismus, headaches can also occur. In addition, the children may no longer be able to participate in everyday life because the visual impairment caused by strabismus is too pronounced. With a pronounced strabismus it can also lead to headaches. In addition, it can happen that the children can no longer participate in everyday life because the visual impairment caused by strabismus is too pronounced.
