Children's and newborn eye conditions
Conditions that especially affect babies, children and young people, including screening and emergency warning signs.
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, Consultant Ophthalmic SurgeonSite-wide clinical review
About this review
Mr Mohyudin completed a clinical review of the site’s medical content on the date shown. This page has been edited since then; a separate sign-off for this exact version has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim one.
Children's eye conditions: compared at a glance
Summaries only — follow each link for symptoms, causes, treatment and when to get urgent help.
| Condition | Part of the eye | In brief |
|---|---|---|
| Amblyopia (lazy eye) | Visual pathway to the brain | Reduced vision in one eye that did not develop normally in childhood; most treatable when caught early. |
| Squint (strabismus) | Eye muscles | Eyes that point in different directions; common in children and treatable, and can also affect adults. |
| Retinopathy of prematurity | Retinal blood vessels and retina | Abnormal blood vessel growth in premature babies' retinas; screened and treated to prevent vision loss. |
| Retinoblastoma | Retina | A rare childhood eye cancer; a white pupil reflex in photos or a squint needs urgent specialist assessment. |
| Blocked tear duct | Tear drainage duct | Tears cannot drain properly, causing a watery or sticky eye; common in babies and adults. |
| Nystagmus | Eye muscles and visual pathway to the brain | Involuntary, repetitive eye movements that can affect vision; managed with support and treating any cause. |
| Droopy eyelid (ptosis) | Eyelid | An upper eyelid that droops over the eye; usually age-related and treatable, but a sudden droop needs checking. |
Frequently asked questions
What is leukocoria and why is it urgent?
Leukocoria is a white or pale pupil reflex, often seen in flash photos. It can be a sign of retinoblastoma or other serious problems and needs urgent paediatric eye assessment — do not wait.
Do blocked tear ducts in babies need surgery?
Most open on their own within the first year. Persistent watering, frequent infections, or a red swollen eye need review.
When should a child's squint be checked?
Any new squint, especially with a white pupil reflex or vision change, should be assessed promptly to protect sight and rule out serious causes.