There are several types of inherited eye diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. This can help kids avoid long-term vision issues and protect their overall health.
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a type of eye tumor that starts in the retina. It usually happens in kids younger than 5 years old. The average age of getting retinoblastoma is 12 to 18 months.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is a condition that causes rapid eye movements, usually side to side. It can be fast or slow and impact one eye or both. Eye movement can make it hard to focus clearly. It usually doesn’t cause pain.
Kids with inherited nystagmus are born with it or develop it early in life. One common type is congenital motor nystagmus. This starts when a child is very young and usually doesn’t cause other eye problems.
Congenital Cataracts
Congenital cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that a child is born with. The cloudy area blocks light from entering the eye. This makes it harder to see. Cataracts don’t cause pain and can impact vision a little or a lot, based on how severe they are.
Ptosis
Ptosis is a condition where one or both upper eyelids droop. It can impact a child’s vision and how their eyes develop. A child can be born with ptosis. Sometimes, it is part of a larger condition impacting the muscles and nerves around the eyes.
Strabismus
Strabismus, often called crossed eyes, happens when the eyes don’t line up. This means both eyes don’t look in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn in, out, up or down.
Some types run in families because of changes in genes that affect how the brain and eyes develop. Trouble seeing things up close or problems with muscle control can cause the eyes not to line up properly.
PHACE Syndrome
PHACE syndrome is a condition that affects infants, often starting with large birthmarks on the face, scalp or neck. Kids with PHACE syndrome may also have problems with how the brain, blood vessels, eyes and heart develop.
Eye problems are not common in PHACE syndrome, but they can happen. Some types of PHACE can cause small eyes, abnormal eye blood vessels and unusual optic nerve shapes.
Cataracts
Tumors
Glaucoma
ROP
Neuro-Ophthamology