Conditions

Albinism – is a genetic condition in which the colouration (pigmentation) in the body is reduced, in either the skin, hair and eyes or the eyes alone. In the former,

This causes light hair and pale skin. The child’s eyes and brain are ‘wired’ incorrectly and swap more information at the optic nerve than normal and parts of the eye may not be developed properly. In addition the structure of the retina at the back of the eye may not be normal, leading to poor sight and jiggly eyes (nystagmus).

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/albinism.html

Aniridia – is a result of the iris (coloured part of the eye) not growing when a baby is in the womb. Aniridia can affect vision in different ways depending on the level to which the iris is affected, but vision will usually not be as clear as normal due to too much light getting into the eyes. Glare and photophobia (an aversion to bright lights) may be problematic.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/aniridia.html

Cataract (congenital) –describes a cloudy lens instead of a clear lens in the eye. If the lens is not clear then not all the light can get into the eye and vision is often blurred. In some cases, a child with cataracts will have an aversion to bright lights.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/cataract.html

Coloboma – is a result of the eye not growing fully when a baby is in the womb and can affect certain parts 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 affect vision.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/coloboma.html

Glaucoma (congenital) – is 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), meaning fluid is unable to drain away. The buildup of pressure in the eye may cause damage to the optic nerve. In most cases, a child with Glaucoma will have an aversion to bright lights.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/glaucoma.html

Leber’s Amaurosis – is an inherited retinal dystrophy in which the incorrect development of rod and cone photoreceptors occurs in the womb. The rods enable us to see things that move, see in the dark and produce images in black and white. The cones are good at seeing things that are still, in bright light, fine detail and in colour.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/leberscongenital.html

Nystagmus – is a quick, involuntary ‘to and fro’ movement of the eyes which causes blurred vision due to continuous shaking. These movements are usually side to side but can also occur up and down.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/nystagmus.html

Optic Atrophy – occurs secondary to damage to the retina or the optic nerve, causing the wires joining 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).

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/opticatrophy.html

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia – is a congenital condition where the optic nerves, in either one or both eyes, do not grow to their correct size in the womb. The condition is non progressive and visual loss will depend on the severity of the condition.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/opticnerve.html

Septo-Optic Dysplasia – is associated with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and is a combination of both the brain and optic nerve not growing correctly.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/septooptic.html

Retinitis Pigmentosa – is a group of genetic eye conditions which 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 are good at seeing things that are still, in bright light, 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.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/retinitis.html

Retinoblastoma – is a rare tumour of the retina which 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.

For further information please visit - http://www.viscotland.org.uk/eyeconds/retinoblastoma.html

Retinopathy of Prematurity – occurs in some premature and low birthweight babies when the retina has not developed properly. It can lead to scarring and detachment of the retina, causing visual impairment.