Upon waking up, a child’s eyes may be glued shut with discharge, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing, and a sense of pain and fatigue when moving the eyeballs… These are common symptoms in children during the early stages of influenza.
 |
| The eyes are closely connected to the entire body; many diseases can affect the eyes. (Image: karavshin) |
The eyes are closely connected to the entire body, and many illnesses can manifest symptoms in the eyes. Since children cannot express their ailments verbally, parents need to observe their children’s eyes to assess their health:
Mumps: Swollen eyelids (edema), conjunctival hyperemia, photophobia, and excessive tearing; the lower eyelid may droop or constrict, leading to a blurred vision and flickering sight but not severe:
Progressive Meningitis: Edematous eyelids with hemorrhagic spots, followed by drooping of the upper eyelid, conjunctival edema, hyperemia, dilated or constricted pupils, and in severe cases, nystagmus can be observed, or the child may be overly sensitive to light or have a sluggish response, often accompanied by conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and discharge.
Measles: The eyes may suddenly water, showing light sensitivity, reluctance to open, preferring dark environments, with slightly swollen red eyelids, excessive discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and blurred vision. These are early warning signs of measles.
Chickenpox: Initially presenting as light sensitivity and tearing, followed by swollen eyelids and the appearance of water-like blisters on one or both eyelids, reduced vision, and occasional flickering vision.
Hives: Both eyelids are slightly swollen and red, with raised bumps resembling pimples on the face, and the tear duct may be blocked, with pupils reacting sluggishly to light.
Conjunctivitis: Both eyes feel like there is a foreign body present, burning sensation, blurry vision, excessive discharge, significant conjunctival hyperemia, and reduced visual acuity.
Jaundice: The sclera of the eyes appears yellow-orange, double vision may occur, and there is pain, redness, and excessive tearing of the eyelids.
Congenital Glaucoma: The child exhibits light sensitivity, excessive tearing, frequent crying, and an increase in the diameter of the eyeball and pupil.
Brain Disorders or Tumors: Sudden asymmetry of pupils, with one being larger than the other, and limping when walking. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
Retinoblastoma: The pupil appears very bright, possibly exhibiting a yellow or white reflex similar to a cat’s eye. Immediate hospitalization is required; if delayed, the disease may spread to the skull and the entire body, posing a life-threatening risk.
Dr. Thanh Quy
