Eye conditions explained

When you find out that your child has a vision impairment it’s likely that a medical expert you will give you the name of their eye condition. At first, taking in this information is not easy, and you may feel like you want to find out more information on the internet.

Not all of this information will be accurate though – so we’ve put together a list of definitions that will help you to understand your child’s eye condition more clearly. We’ve also included some internet resources you can trust.

For further support you can also contact our Family Support Service. Our specialist Family Support Officers have many years’ experience of providing support in this area and will be happy to explain any terminology that confuses you.

Eye conditions explained

A genetic condition that reduces colouration (pigmentation) in either the skin and eyes, or the eyes alone. This causes light hair and pale skin. Your child’s eyes will also swap more information at the optic nerve than is usual. Also, parts of the eye may not be properly developed. Find out more from the Albinism Fellowship.
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. Find out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions.
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.

Find out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions. We also recommend contacting the Microphthalmia Anophthalmia and Coloboma Society (MACS) via enquiries@macs.org.uk or visiting the MACS website.
Is a term that covers a range of conditions where pressure inside the eye is too high due to a blockage in the gap between the iris (coloured part of the eye) and the cornea (clear curved window at the front of the eye). The blockage means fluid can’t drain away as it should. The build-up of pressure in the eye may cause damage to the optic nerve. In most cases, if your child has Glaucoma they will have an aversion to bright light. For out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions.
The name of a group of genetic eye conditions that affect the rod and cone photoreceptors at the back of the eye. The rods enable us to see things that move, see in the dark, and produce images in black and white. The cones also help us to see things that are still, in bright light, in fine detail, and in colour. Retinitis pigmentosa can affect vision in different ways, depending on whether the problem is with either the rod or cone receptors, or both. 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). Find out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions.

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