Genetic ocular diseases in children

What are genetic ocular diseases in children?

Pediatric genetic ocular diseases are eye diseases that are genetically inherited (passed down from parent to child).

What are the different types of genetic ocular diseases in children?

The most common types of inherited eye diseases in children include:

• Congenital (present at birth) cataracts - cloudy eye lens, which is normally clear.
• Congenital glaucoma - fluid builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve
• Congenital ocular anomalies - includes several types of eye malformations, such as missing or smaller than average eyes
• Optic atrophy — permanent damage to the optic nerve fibers, which can cause blindness

What are the signs and symptoms of genetic ocular diseases in children?

Some of the general symptoms include:

• Abnormal appearance
• Fluid in eyes
• Impaired vision  

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eye disease.