ASTIGMATISM
Astigmatism usually causes either long- or short-sightedness. It is caused by a misshapen cornea, which is the transparent membrane covering the pupil of the eye, and which bends light onto the back of the eye. Glasses with special lenses can usually correct this problem.
BLINDNESS
Blindness can be either partial or full; the term ‘visually impaired’ is preferred nowadays. Approximately 1 in 2000 children are visually impaired in Australia.
These are numerous, but include congenital abnormalities (present at birth), cataracts, and trauma to either the eye, or the area of the brain that processes visual images.
Clinical features
A visually impaired baby will have difficulty focusing on your face or on objects at 4-5 weeks of age. His eyes may move rapidly from side to side (nystagmus) while trying to focus on something. If he does not react to a bright light being turned on in the room, this may indicate serious visual impairment.
*261\90\8*
