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.

When a clear lens in the eye becomes cloudy. If the lens is not clear, then not enough light can get into the eye and your child’s vision will  often be blurred. In most cases, if your child has cataracts they will have an aversion to bright light. 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. 

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 www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions or Retina UK.

A condition which causes a rapid, involuntary ‘to and fro’ movement of the eyes and leads to blurred vision due to continual shaking. These movements are usually side-to-side but can also be up and down. Find out more from Nystagmus Network.  

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. 

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. Find out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions.

Is a rare tumour of the retina that causes damage in and around the eye. It can be present at birth or can develop in the first few years of a child’s life.  Find out more from the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust.

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. Find out more from www.vincyp.scot.nhs.uk/conditions.

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.  

A very common condition in childhood. The treatment may include prescribing glasses for your child or encouraging them to wear an eye patch. Find out more from Moorfields Eye Hospital.