Though low vision is more common in adults over the age of 75, it’s not unusual among young children as well. An impaired vision that cannot be corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, or surgery is known as low vision. Though it doesn’t always result in complete loss of vision, children with low vision require rehabilitation and proper care to perform daily tasks comfortably.
Low vision is characterized by a reduced ability to perform activities, such as reading, recognizing faces, or seeing objects that are present nearby. From poor night vision to blurred vision, the extent of low vision may vary, but noting the warning signs and understanding the causes early can help your eye specialist in Dubai recommend the necessary corrective action.
What Causes Low Vision?
Consider if your child has any pre-existing medical conditions or recently suffered an injury. Typically, there are one or more causes of low vision, including:
- Pediatric glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when there’s an increase in fluid pressure in the eye. This increased pressure can impair vision when the fluid doesn’t drain properly and damages the optic nerve.
Though rare, children who have had cataract surgery or have other conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, can suffer from glaucoma. In some cases, pediatric glaucoma can also be hereditary.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing diabetic retinopathy. If your child has diabetes, it’s recommended to visit an eye hospital in Dubai regularly for routine eye exams. The biggest risk associated with diabetic retinopathy is potential blindness, so early intervention is ideal.
- Macular degeneration: The macula is the most sensitive region of the retina and macular degeneration occurs with gradual deterioration. Macular degeneration is more common in adults, but it can also develop among young children.
- Common injuries: If your child recently suffered an injury to the head or eye, be wary of dismissing it after it seems to heal. Symptoms of low vision resulting from an injury may be slow to appear, but routine checkups can help you recognize warning signs at the right time.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Low Vision
An eye examination is required for diagnosis, but if you suspect that your child is suffering from low vision, be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty performing tasks: Whether it is difficulty in reading, performing visual tasks, and experiencing balancing problems, or having frequent complaints of headaches, all these are some of the most common and easily detectable warning signs of low vision.
- Blurred vision: Blurred vision will make all objects seem out of focus despite having corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Night blindness: Low night vision is when your child is unable to see anything at night or in dimly lit areas.
- Loss of peripheral vision: Your child’s central vision may be intact, but if they’re unable to see anything to the side, below or above eye level, chances are they’re suffering from a loss of peripheral vision.
Treating Low Vision
To treat low vision, it must be first be diagnosed. Visit your nearest eye doctor in Dubai for a thorough eye examination. Your ophthalmologist may conduct a few tests, such as a visual acuity test, visual field test, and a tonometry test, to provide the best care.
To treat some cases of low vision, glasses or contacts with specific types of lenses may be recommended. Additionally, to ensure low vision doesn’t affect the quality of your child’s life, rehabilitative care and assistive tools, such as books with large text, are also available.
At Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center, our team of eye specialists can recommend the best course of corrective action for low vision. Book an appointment for an eye exam to receive proper care and treatment today.