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Abstract
The assessment and management of eye problems in children can be challenging. An understanding of common presentations can help guide appropriate referral.
Key Points
- Examining children’s eyes can be challenging; age-appropriate tests of visual acuity and ocular alignment are required.
- A child with strabismus requires careful ophthalmic assessment to diagnose the underlying cause.
- Watery, sticky and/or red eyes are common in children; knowledge of the common causes of each symptom is helpful in guiding the assessment.
- Most cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction resolve by 12 months of age.
- Preseptal cellulitis must be treated aggressively to prevent extension into sight-threatening orbital cellulitis.
- Amblyopia prevention and treatment remains one of the primary goals when dealing with eye conditions in children.
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