VisionPlus India

Understanding pediatric low vision is crucial for ensuring timely and effective interventions EMPOWERING YOUNGEYES aphakia, chorioretinal coloboma, and foveal hypoplasia. Ocular pathologies like limbal stem cell deficiency, congenital nystagmus, aniridia, retinal dystrophy, trauma, and iatrogenic damage also play significant roles. Genetic and systemic conditions are major contributors to paediatric low vision. RECOGNISING SIGNS Recognising early signs of low vision in children is crucial for timely intervention. From birth to approximately four months, infants start adjusting to light and focusing on objects. By five to eight months, they develop depth perception and facial recognition. Between nine to twelve months, hand- OPTHA TALK Pediatric low vision refers to irreversible vision loss or impairment in individuals under 21 years of age. This condition cannot be corrected with refractive measures, medical treatments, or surgical interventions. Specifically, low vision in children is characterised by a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or worse in the better-seeing eye, or a BCVA of 20/30 or worse if accompanied by reduced contrast sensitivity affecting daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognising faces. CAUSES OF PEDIATRIC LOW VISION The causes for low vision in children are diverse, ranging from primary ocular structural abnormalities to secondary ocular pathologies. Additionally, low vision may result from genetic or systemic syndromes or cerebral visual impairment (CVI). Common causes include nystagmus, optic atrophy, optic nerve hypoplasia, and CVI. Structural abnormalities contributing to paediatric low vision include corneal opacification, congenital cataract, primary 42 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION