Back to School - a quick check for any eye problems or symptoms of potential problems.

It's that time of the year again when parents and

children are dealing with the annual back-at-

school adjustment. While shopping for new

clothes and school supplies are all a part of the

traditional preparation routine, parents should




also consider adding something new to the back-to-school schedule

- a quick check for any eye problems or symptoms of potential problems.

Some things parents should look for include:

Excessive Tearing

This is often a sign of blocked tear ducts in children but other potential problems could be light

sensitivity, allergy, a scratched eye or something in the eye.

Eye rubbing

Many times this is a telltale sign of an allergy or habit. Parents need to monitor eye rubbing as it can

lead to damage the cornea, if not addressed.

Discharge

This is usually a telltale sign of infection. If a discharge is evident a trip to your family doctor or eye care

professional is encouraged.

Pinkeye

One of the most common eye maladies associated with children and school. Pinkeye describes the white

of the eye being a shade of red due to inflammation and irritation of the conjunctival tissue overlying

the white of the eye and the back of the eyelids. There are multiple causes for this, which include

infection. In school-age children, it is not uncommon for a virus to be the cause. This is the pinkeye

that can be very contagious when caused by adenovirus. While contagious, children with adenovirus

should be removed from school. Contact with them should be minimal, particularly by anyone who has

compromised immune system. In preschool children, infection causing pinkeye is usually bacterial and

responds well to the appropriate antibiotic. Viral infection does not respond to antibiotics. Bacterial

conjunctivitis is usually limited to several days, while adenovirus can last two weeks or more.

Squinting

The most common cause for squinting is an uncorrected nearsightedness requiring glasses. Other

children squint because light may be causing discomfort in an inflamed eye. Parents should check to see

that both eyes are equally wide open.

Eye misalignment (Lazy Eye)

Eye misalignment or lazy eye can be obvious or slightly difficult to detect. Your child may have

limitations in eye movement and may adopt a head position to compensate for the misalignment.

Squinting might also be a side effect. Expect your child to have well-aligned eyes that move together

over the full range of motion after 2 to 3 months of age.

Droopy eyelid

Known as ptosis, this usually occurs on a congenital basis and can be potentially severe. Causes include

a weak muscle in the eyelid or sometimes a tumor in the affected eyelid. A droopy eyelid can be

associated with poor vision and a visit with an eye care professional is highly recommended. Possible

treatments include glasses for nearsightedness and astigmatism, patching of the sound eye and surgical

correction.