"Worried about your child’s vision? Discover early signs of eye problems in kids and when to seek care. Expert insights by Nayan Jyoti Eye Hospital."

Children rely heavily on their vision for learning, development, and everyday activities. Good eyesight helps them read, write, play, and interact with the world. But children may not always realize they have a vision problem, and it often goes unnoticed by parents until it affects their performance or behavior.That’s why recognizing the early signs of vision issues is important. From frequent squinting to sitting too close to the TV, there are many clues that your child may need professional eye care.This blog explains the common signs that may indicate a vision problem in your child, why early detection matters, and how an eye specialist can help. 

our child’s eyes are their windows to the world—and caring for them starts with awareness. If you notice any of the warning signs discussed above, don’t wait. A simple eye check-up can make all the difference between clear sight and long-term complications.

At Nayan Jyoti Eye Hospital, our pediatric eye specialists are trained to provide gentle, thorough, and accurate care for young eyes. Schedule an appointment today and give your child the vision they deserve.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) is one of the most common causes of childhood vision impairment. It occurs when the optic nerve — which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain — doesn’t develop properly during pregnancy.As a parent, noticing vision-related issues in your baby can be worrying. ONH is a condition that needs early diagnosis and consistent care to manage its impact on vision and development.This blog covers what ONH is, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, long-term outcomes, and how you can support your child through the journey.What Is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia?Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. In babies with ONH, the optic nerve contains fewer nerve fibers than normal. As a result, the nerve may not be able to carry full visual signals to the brain.ONH can affect one or both eyes. If only one eye is affected, the other eye may compensate. If both eyes are involved, the child may have significant visual impairment.What Causes ONH?The exact cause of ONH is still unknown, but researchers believe several factors may contribute:Abnormal development during pregnancyMaternal diabetesUse of certain medications during pregnancyYoung maternal ageHormonal imbalancesONH is not typically inherited and is not caused by anything the parent did during pregnancy.Symptoms and Signs in BabiesEarly signs of ONH can be subtle, especially in newborns. Here’s what parents might notice:Lack of eye contactDelayed visual trackingNystagmus (involuntary eye movements)Eyes that appear to “wander” or don’t alignSensitivity to lightAs your baby grows, delayed motor skills may also become apparent, especially if vision is significantly reduced.How Is ONH Diagnosed?Diagnosing ONH usually involves a combination of:1. Eye ExaminationAn ophthalmologist will examine the back of the eye (the retina and optic nerve) to assess the size and appearance of the optic nerve.2. Visual Behavior ObservationDoctors observe how the baby responds to light and tracks objects. A lack of response may suggest visual impairment.3. MRI of the BrainMany children with ONH undergo a brain MRI. This helps check for associated brain abnormalities, including septo-optic dysplasia.4. Hormone TestsONH may be associated with pituitary gland issues, which affect hormone production. Blood tests help monitor hormone levels.Is ONH Associated with Other Conditions?Yes. Some children with ONH also have septo-optic dysplasia, a condition involving:Optic nerve underdevelopmentPituitary hormone abnormalitiesBrain structure differences (such as absence of the septum pellucidum)Because of these associations, it’s crucial to monitor a child’s overall growth, hormone levels, and brain development alongside eye health.