Pediatric eye care is essential for ensuring healthy vision development and early detection of conditions that could impact learning, development, and quality of life.
A Paediatric ophthalmologist, diagnoses, prevents, and treats diseases that affect children’s eyes and vision. Good eye care is essential during childhood as many visual problems develop while the eyes are growing and may affect the child’s future development.
Indications
- Infection
- Immune suppression
- Congenital abnormalities
- Postoperative surgical requirement
- Poor blinking reflexes
- Inability to close the eyes completely
- Newborns and infants are prone to get sticky
eyes because they have underdeveloped lacrimal drainage system. Therefore, they also need eye care.
Purposes
- Help to maintain hygiene
- Prevent drying of the cornea
- To treat infection, administer required medications
Why Early Detection Matters
- Vision problems can affect speech, motor skills, and academic performance.
- Early treatment improves outcomes and may prevent permanent vision loss
Common Pediatric Eye Conditions
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
- Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
- Congenital cataracts or glaucoma
- Retinopathy of prematurity (in preterm infants)
Components of Pediatric Eye Care
| Age Group | Recommended Eye Care |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Basic eye exam for red reflex, pupil response, and structural abnormalities. |
| 6–12 Months | Screening during well-child visit to assess eye alignment and movement. |
| 12–36 Months | Check for signs of amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). |
| 3–5 Years | Visual acuity testing using eye charts or photoscreening. |
| 6+ Years | Regular vision screenings at school or pediatric visits; refer to ophthalmologist if needed. |
Equipment Needed
A sterile tray containing:
- Sterile cotton swabs
- Sterile water
- Small bowls-two (one for swab and the other one for sterile water)
- Kidney tray
- Medications if any
Preparation
- Explain the procedure to the child and the parents as appropriate.
- Assess the condition of the eye.
- Check the doctor’s order for any specific instructions.
Procedure
- Swaddle the babies and toddlers in a blanket; position with heads /back supported, either lying on sitting.
- Perform hand hygiene with alcohol-based solution.
- Prepare surface. open sterile dressing pack.
- Dip cotton swab into sterile water and gently wipe around closed eyelids from inner to outer canthus.
- Discard the swab and repeat, if necessary, by using a
- new swab each time.
- Wash hands, reapply alcohol-based solution, and
- repeat procedure on the other eye.
- If eye drops and ointment are required, wash hands, gently retract lower eyelids. and apply one drop and make sure that the dropper should not touch the eyes.
- Dab away any excess medication from the skin.
Post procedure
- Reposition the baby.
- Replace the articles.
- Perform hand hygiene and record the procedure in nurse’s chart
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Watch for signs like eye rubbing, squinting, or head tilting.
- Encourage screen-free play and outdoor activities.
- Ensure children wear protective eyewear during sports or high-risk activities.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
Connect with “Nurses Lab Editorial Team”
I hope you found this information helpful. Do you have any questions or comments? Kindly write in comments section. Subscribe the Blog with your email so you can stay updated on upcoming events and the latest articles.
