Early diagnosis of childhood vision issues is vital for preventing permanent loss

Early diagnosis and treatment of visual impairments before the age of 10 are critical to preventing irreversible vision loss. Ophthalmologist María Concepción Guirao of Vissum Grupo Miranza emphasizes that conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and strabismus are common in childhood and can be effectively managed if detected while the visual system is still developing.

Amblyopia is particularly significant because it involves the brain's inability to develop the capacity to see correctly. Between the ages of 0 and 8, the brain possesses high plasticity, allowing it to learn to interpret visual images. If a child does not receive clear images due to refractive errors or structural issues, the neural connections required for normal vision may not form.

Myopia, a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry because light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it, often emerges during school age or adolescence. Symptoms include squinting to see far away and eye strain. While many cases are manageable, severe myopia can lead to retinal degeneration. Family history is a known risk factor for the development of this condition.