Eye discharge

My three-year-old son’s right eye has been watering. Some discharge also comes out. Please advise.

Your son is probably suffering from chronic dacriocystitis of the eye. It is caused by the presence of foreign bodies (like dust particles, chemicals, etc.) in the eyes. The redness may be due to conjunctivitis or a viral or chlamydia infection. If the discharge (in both eyes) is greenish in colour, it could be a case of chlamydia or bacterial infection. Contact an eye specialist as the symptoms call for urgent attention.

headache

My seven-year-old grandson suffers from headache. While studying, he keeps the books very close to his eyes. What is wrong'

Headache may be due to uncorrected refractive error, squint or a pathology of the eyes. You need to record the vision in both eyes separately, from a distance of 20 feet or 6 metres. The boy should also undergo an opthalmoscope check up and his optic nerve and retina especially examined to rule out any eye disease. Retinoscopy should be done to find out any refractive error, in case of which spectacles may be worn. Contact an eye specialist.

white reflex

My daughter, aged two and a half years, has recently grown a painless white reflex in her left eye. What is wrong' Is it serious'

White reflex in one eye, with or without protrusion, suggests retinoblastoma (the commonest malignant tumour occurring in childhood). In advanced stage, retinoblastoma is associated with protrusion. But if the white reflex is present in both eyes without any protrusion, it may be due to cataract. Both cases need urgent attention of a specialist.

ight blindness

My seven-year-old child cannot see at night. He has been suffering from diarrhoea for the last three days. Moreover, his skin is dry. Please advise.

The child’s eyes need to be examined to rule out disorders of conjunctiva or cornea or both. Systemic Vitamin A therapy and Vitamin A supplement in food are necessary. In addition, treatment is needed for diarrhoea. Broad-spectrum antibiotic eye ointment may be used once or twice daily. Consult an eye specialist.

Redness in eye

My nine-year-old son has been suffering from redness in one eye along with pain and discharge.

Redness in one eye associated with these symptoms may be due to whooping cough, head injury or trauma in that eye. Consult an eye specialist.

swelling on lid

My daughter frequently has a swelling on the lower eyelid, which is associated with pain. What is the reason for this'

Swelling on the eyelid associated with pain could be a stye (inflammation of the lid glands). Apply hot fomentation locally three to four times daily along with a broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment. Systemic antibiotics or sulphur drugs could also be prescribed. But if the swelling is painless, it could be a chalazion (non specific granuloma of the tarsal gland). In this case, hot fomentation and local application of antibiotic ointment may provide relief.

Eye testing

My four-year-old daughter can’t see properly and suffers from frequent headache. Does she need computerised eye testing'

Computerised testing can determine the power of spectacles needed to correct refractive errors. But it fails to diagnose pathological defects like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataract or malignancy. Clinical examination is necessary for proper diagnosis.