Experts say that preventing childhood blindness must start early, in the first months of life. The problem has a global impact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 500,000 children become blind each year and up to 60% do not survive childhood because many diseases that affect vision also compromise other body systems.
Among those who survive, difficulty seeing often interferes with lifelong learning, social interactions, and independence. In Brazil, the figures also deserve attention. Data from the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology (CBO) shows that more than 27,000 children and adolescents under the age of 14 live with blindness or severe low vision.
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Most of these cases could have been avoided thanks to simple examinations and specialized monitoring from an early age. Ophthalmologist Stefânia Diniz, member of the CBO, explains that childhood is a decisive period for the development of vision.
“Seemingly simple problems can have lifelong consequences if not identified in time. Studies show that up to 80% of causes of childhood blindness can be prevented or treated,” he says.
Stefânia warns that conditions such as congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, strabismus, palpebral ptosis (drooping eyelid), perinatal infections such as congenital toxoplasmosis and hereditary diseases should be monitored from the first days of life.
She also emphasizes that signs such as persistent eye deviation, photosensitivity, continuous tearing, lack of attention to faces and objects, and whitish pupils in flash photos should prompt immediate evaluation, as they may indicate serious illnesses, such as retinoblastoma.
The importance of an eye exam
One of the main allies of early diagnosis in Brazil is the red reflex test, known as the eye test. The examination has been compulsory since 2010 in maternity wards and makes it possible to identify changes in the first hours of life.
When something is detected, the baby can be quickly referred for specialist evaluation, greatly increasing the chances of vision preservation.
For Stefânia Diniz, taking care of children’s eye health is an investment in the future. “Children who see well learn better, live with more autonomy and are better able to build a free future. Golden December reinforces the fact that protecting children’s vision is a collective commitment,” he says.
Main causes of childhood blindness
The causes vary, but some appear more frequently. Among the most common are:
- Congenital diseases: such as congenital cataracts or glaucoma and ocular malformations.
- Retinopathy of prematurity: retinal damage in premature babies.
- Uncorrected refractive errors: hyperopia, astigmatism and high myopia. Strabismus and amblyopia (lazy eye).
- Infections and inflammations: toxoplasmosis, meningitis and severe conjunctivitis.
- Eye trauma: accidents with objects, sharp toys or fireworks.
- Hereditary retinal diseasesincluding retinal dystrophies.
Warning signs that officials must heed
Because many children are unable to express that they have poor vision, parents and guardians should watch for signs such as eye deviation, difficulty focusing on objects, enlarged or very watery eyes, excessive discomfort with light, a white spot in the pupil, frequent falling, excessive proximity to objects, and delays in motor or visual development. Any of these signs deserves immediate evaluation.
Treatments available
Treatment depends on the cause and should start as early as possible. Approaches include surgery, use of glasses or contact lenses, amblyopia therapies, eye drops or antibiotics, laser or intraocular injections, and vision rehabilitation programs for partial or irreversible loss.
Another growing problem among children is the increase in myopia and pseudomyopia, often associated with excessive screen use. Ophthalmologist Leôncio Queiroz Neto, executive director of the Penido Burnier Institute, warns that children’s routine has a direct impact on their vision.
“The problem is that many spend most of their time looking closely. This requires continuous visual effort which can lead to spasms of accommodation, giving a false sensation of myopia,” he says.
He emphasizes that habit changes and regular consultations are essential to protect visual development. By focusing on prevention, information and early diagnosis, childhood blindness can be avoided in most cases.
The sooner the signs are recognized and addressed, the greater the chance of ensuring that every child grows up with full vision, independence and expanded opportunities throughout their lives.
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