Children with IDDs
Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) can be at a higher risk for various visual problems. All of our providers are trained in treating visual issues in children. In fact, all of Dr. Cline’s boys have a color vision deficiency: They are all Color Blind.
Visual issues in children with IDDs can arise due to several factors, including neurological conditions, genetic syndromes, or coexisting medical conditions. These visual problems can affect their ability to perceive and interact with their environment effectively. Here are some examples of visual issues commonly observed in children with IDDs:
Refractive Errors: Children with IDDs may have an increased prevalence of refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. These conditions can cause blurred vision and may require corrective lenses.
Strabismus: Strabismus refers to misalignment of the eyes, leading to a lack of coordination between them. It can manifest as crossed eyes (esotropia) or divergent eyes (exotropia). Strabismus can affect depth perception, visual acuity, and binocular vision.
Amblyopia: Also known as "lazy eye," amblyopia occurs when one eye has reduced visual acuity due to abnormal visual development during childhood. It can be caused by strabismus, significant refractive errors, or other factors. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improving vision in the affected eye.
Visual Processing Disorders: Children with IDDs may experience difficulties in processing and interpreting visual information. Visual processing disorders can affect various aspects, including visual-spatial skills, visual-motor integration, visual memory, and visual attention. These difficulties can impact their learning and daily functioning.
Color Vision Deficiency: Color blindness, or color vision deficiency, is characterized by the inability to perceive or distinguish certain colors. It can affect the ability to differentiate between specific hues or perceive colors accurately. Color vision deficiencies can vary in severity, from mild to complete absence of color perception.
Optic Nerve Abnormalities: Some children with IDDs may have structural abnormalities of the optic nerve, which can affect visual acuity and peripheral vision. Optic nerve hypoplasia, coloboma, or other optic nerve anomalies are examples of such conditions.
It is important for children with IDDs to undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations by an eye care professional experienced in working with individuals with special needs. Early detection and appropriate management of visual problems can significantly improve their quality of life and facilitate their overall development.