{"id":9887,"date":"2021-02-11T10:36:05","date_gmt":"2021-02-11T10:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9887"},"modified":"2021-08-12T06:53:54","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T06:53:54","slug":"low-vision-in-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-low-vision\/low-vision-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Low Vision In Children\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 3% of all children in the western world suffer with low vision or blindness.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Every year, more than half a million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with low vision or blindness.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Many children suffer with vision loss, but there are a range of low vision aids that can give them the best chance to engage with the world around them.<\/p>\n

There are a number of conditions that can cause vision impairments in children. While some of these conditions can be treated in early childhood, many can result in low vision or even total blindness.<\/p>\n

What causes low vision in children?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the leading causes of low vision among the pediatric population.<\/p>\n

1. Albinism\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin\u2014 the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes their unique coloring.<\/p>\n

Albinism can occur from a deficiency of melanin production, or a complete absence of melanin altogether.<\/p>\n

Albinism not only affects coloring, it can also affect eye functioning.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

A sufficient amount of melanin is necessary for the healthy development of the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye.<\/p>\n

Consequently, a deficiency or absence of melanin in the eyes can lead to a range of vision problems including:<\/p>\n