Eye conditions in children

This happens when the iris (the coloured part of the eye) doesn’t grow when your baby is in the womb. Aniridia can affect vision in different ways, depending on how developed your child’s iris is, but vision will usually not be as clear as normal because too much light getting into the eyes. Glare and photophobia (an aversion to bright light) may be problematic.

Occurs when the eye does not grow fully when your baby is in the womb and can affect any part of the eye. Defects can be very large or barely noticeable. Larger defects or those affecting the back of the eye are more likely to cause vision difficulties.

We recommend contacting the Microphthalmia Anophthalmia and Coloboma Society (MACS) via enquiries@macs.org.uk or visiting the MACS website. 

One of the Retinitis Pigmentosa group of genetic eye conditions, is an inherited retinal dystrophy caused by incorrect development of rod and cone photoreceptors while your baby is in the womb. Find out more from Retina UK.

Damage to the retina or the optic nerve that causes the wires that join the eyes and brain to wear out. This damage can affect visual acuity (sharpness of vision), field of vision, and contrast sensitivity (ability to distinguish colours and shades from each other).

A congenital condition in which the optic nerves in one or both eyes don’t grow to their correct size while your baby is in the womb. The condition is non-progressive (i.e. it won’t get worse) and visual loss will depend on the severity of the condition.

Occurs in some premature and low birth weight babies when the retina has not developed properly. It can lead to scarring and detachment of the retina, causing vision impairment.

Associated with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and happens when both the brain and optic nerve are not growing correctly. Find out more from Great Ormond Street Hospital or www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/medical-information/.