Children, Visual problems

Question 1

Features

Answer 1

Vision is present at birth (focal depth of only 20 cm)

• maturing to normal ‘adult’ vision at ~12 mths
• following maturation of the macula, fovea and retina at ~3 mths.

Visual perception gradually matures until ~7 yrs

• but will be affected by problems such as strabismus
• and may lead to loss of vision (amblyopia).

If best vision is reduced to 6/18 or worse, learning problems can occur at school.

Question 2

Amblyopia

Answer 2

Loss of vision in a healthy eye

Can only be treated up to 6 yrs

Main predisposing factor is strabismus