Congenital Eye Diseases
At the 4th week of pregnancy, the eye starts its development from the brain with neural tubes and these progressively grows. Eye structures like the optic nerve and retina begin formation.
The formation of the eyes is a very delicate process as it requires good nurturing and vitamins that are essential for normal development. When there is a glitch during this process that gives rise to an abnormality, a Congenital eye disease has occurred.
In other words, Congenital eye diseases are malformations in the eyes that a child is born with. These diseases vary from minor treatable diseases to diseases with no cure to conditions that cause vision loss depending on the eye structures that are affected.
What causes congenital eye diseases?
- It can be secondary to a genetic condition.
- It can be due to an infection while the baby is in the womb.
- It can also be due to harmful drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy.
- It can occur without a cause.
How to know your child has a congenital eye disease.
- When the eyes presents with an abnormal appearance, most often a whitish appearance. Some of them are obvious from birth.
- When the child’s vision is poor during infancy.
- When eye movements are abnormal. For instance, Squint eye
- constant discharge in the eyes right after delivery
Diagnosis
Basic eye examination can be done to detect any congenital eye disease. in cases when needed, test such as CT scan, Ultrasound or MRI can be done.
Treatment plan
The treatment plan depends on the type of congenital disorder and also structures of the eyes affected.
Counselling can be given when needed.
What do we advise?
- affected families should be educated on the specific eye disorder to help the child get better.
- Family should be on the lookout for such cases as it may have a genetic origin.
- Make sure the child is placed on special education so as to help the disease progression and prognosis.
- If therapy is needed, parents should be actively involved to improve child’s vision.
Conclusion
Congenital eye diseases are not to be negligent about, watch out for them especially when there is a family history. There are many other Congenital eye diseases and they are very rare. When you notice your child isn’t very responsive when images are shown to him/her, or anything abnormal in the eye, please do not hesitate to go to any eye clinic close to you for proper eye examination. You can visit SpecSMART eye clinic or contact us to book an appointment.
