Care
of eyes at the time of birth and afterwards
Eyes should be cleaned properly at the time of the birth. Antibiotic
drops should be instilled in the eyes. If there is any pus discharge
it can be dangerous, particularly if it is caused by a bacteria
known as "gonococci". These organism attack the infant’s
cornea and pus spreads in the eye causing permanent blindness.
Congenital
cataract
Congenital
cataract is the one the baby is born with. German measles (viral
infection) can cause it if this virus affects the mother during
pregnancy. It needs urgent ophthalmic opinion and can be treated
surgically if required.
Watering
of the eyes in the early months
The
most common cause of watering in the first six months is due to
dacryocystitis, which is caused by obstruction of
the normal passage of tears from the eye into the nose, which
can be treated with antibiotic drops on ophthalmologist’s
advice. If required, probing can be done to dilate the
punctum( opening of the passage ) and clearout any blockage in
this passage (nasolacrimal ) or syringing the passage with antibiotic
solutions.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation
of conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis. In children it can
be due to bacterial or viral infection. It can be treated with
antibiotic drops.
If
the cause is allergy, it can be treated with anti-allergy drops
combined with
antibiotic and short-term use of topical steroid if required.
If required, oral (antihistamine) syrups/tablets may be given.
Avoiding exposure to those things one is allergic to may prevent
allergic conjunctivitis.
Stye
It
is an infection of the eyelash hair follicle (root). It causes
pain and swelling of the eyelids. It is treated with oral medications
(antibiotics) and hot fomentation over the effected eyelids. It
usually clears in 2-3 days.
Chalazion
It
is a non-infective swelling (cyst) situated over the eyelids.
It is a painless cyst. It may reduce in size by hot fomentation
and eyelid message. However surgical treatment is required in
most cases. It can be prevented by maintaining good cleanliness
of the eyelids.
Eye Trauma
If
a child is playing with any sharp instrument like pencils, pen,
knife, bow & arrows one should be careful that it does not
hurt/injure the eyes as it can be very dangerous & may cause
perforation of the eye and loss of vision. It may require an urgent
ophthalmic opinion.
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Last
updated on 28-03-2001
