Congenital eye disorders encompass various eye conditions present from birth that can impact vision or the eyes themselves. These disorders stem from abnormal eye development during fetal growth. Some congenital eye disorders may have a hereditary component, while others can result from illnesses, deficiencies during pregnancy, or exposure to drugs or alcohol. In many instances, the exact cause remains unknown. It’s crucial not to overlook regular eye exams and medical check-ups at an eye hospital since untreated eye conditions can lead to rapid vision loss.
What are Congenital Eye Diseases?
The development of the eyes during embryonic development is a highly intricate and sensitive process. Congenital eye disorders emerge when issues arise during this developmental process. In essence, these disorders occur due to abnormal eye formation in utero. They can be attributed to gene mutations or prenatal exposure to substances like drugs or alcohol, though often, no specific cause can be pinpointed.
While congenital eye disorders can affect any part of the eye, they are often associated with conditions such as corneal clouding, glaucoma, irregularly shaped pupils, cataracts, retinal abnormalities, and incomplete optic nerve development. These disorders can result in complete or partial vision loss. Some congenital eye disorders can be identified in newborns, while others may not be diagnosed until later in life.
How are Congenital Eye Diseases Diagnosed?
Congenital eye diseases are relatively rare and may be evident at birth through an abnormal appearance of the eyes. Additionally, they can be detected later in life due to atypical eye movements or poor visual function. Milder cases with minimal impact on vision may only become apparent during routine eye examinations.
Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems in children are crucial. Therefore, routine eye exams, particularly in children with a family history of hereditary visual issues, are of utmost importance. Eye examinations should commence as early as two months of age, with regular follow-ups at one year, before starting school, and during the school years.
Symptoms of Congenital Eye Diseases
Symptoms of congenital eye conditions vary depending on the affected eye structures and the severity of the abnormality. For example, cataracts may lead to one pupil appearing different from the other, a white and dull appearance in the affected eye, or symptoms like light sensitivity, burning, itching and excessive tearing in cases of glaucoma.
Early detection of congenital eye disorders is vital for preserving vision. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for symptoms such as light sensitivity and unusual eye movements in children. Additionally, children with visual impairments may exhibit delayed reactions to external stimuli, bring objects close to their eyes, and experience frequent falls.
Common Congenital Eye Problems
Pediatric eye diseases can result in functional issues based on the affected eye area. Some frequently observed congenital eye diseases in children affecting various parts of the eye include:
1. Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma, a rare childhood intraocular cancer, primarily develops in the retina, where visual nerves are located. It typically arises within the eyeball and is usually diagnosed around age two. While it mainly affects young children, the risk of tumor development persists until around age six or seven. Treatment options vary depending on the tumor’s stage, ranging from localized treatments like cryotherapy, laser therapy, or thermotherapy for small tumors to chemotherapy and surgical removal for larger tumors.
2. Cataract
Congenital cataracts involve the clouding or opacification of the eye lens, potentially affecting one or both eyes. Causes can include maternal infections, medications, metabolic disorders, or hereditary factors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for a child’s future vision. The specific treatment approach depends on the cataract’s type and severity, but surgical intervention is recommended if it obstructs vision or is unilateral to prevent potential vision development issues.
3. Squint eyes
Strabismus, also known as squint eyes, occurs when the alignment of the eyes deviates from parallel. It may be noticed by parents or a pediatrician and can sometimes require more comprehensive eye examinations for hidden forms. Early diagnosis of strabismus is vital, as it can lead to lazy eye (amblyopia).
Strabismus may be caused by genetic factors or other influences, including certain eye diseases like cataracts, corneal opacities, or retinal conditions. Children with strabismus may exhibit symptoms such as seeing double, frequent trips, difficulty in reading and writing, and headaches. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, prism lenses, eye exercises, occlusion therapy, and eye muscle surgery based on the diagnosis and assessment by an ophthalmologist.
