Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Reduced vision in children

A child may see less well because of a focusing error, a lazy eye, a squint or an eye disease. Early checks matter because young brains are still learning to see. A white pupil, sudden sight loss, a painful red eye or serious eye injury is a warning sign.

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A child may see less well because of a focusing error, a lazy eye, a squint or an eye disease. Early checks matter because young brains are still learning to see. A white pupil, sudden sight loss, a painful red eye or serious eye injury is a warning sign.

  • Sitting close to a screen or book, narrowing the eyes or often having a headache after close work.
  • Covering one eye, tilting the head or struggling with depth perception, catching and stairs.
  • Have the child wear their prescribed glasses and report pressure marks, headaches or refusal to the treating clinician.
  • Follow the patching or eye drop schedule exactly and do not change it without advice.
  • Have a white pupil, an absent red reflex or a suddenly changed eye assessed by the same day at the latest.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Lazy eyeA lazy eye, also called amblyopia, means vision in one eye does not develop properly, even though the eye itself may look almost normal. This mainly happens during childhood, while the brain is still learning to process images. Early recognition and consistent treatment matter because recovery is more likely while vision is developing. Causes may include a squint, different focusing strengths between the eyes or blocked vision. Call immediately for a new white pupil, sudden new squint, drooping eyelid, sudden vision loss or a child suddenly looking at things differently.
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Reduced vision in adultsReduced vision in adults can result from a focusing error, cataract or eye disease, but sometimes from a retinal problem or stroke. Gradually blurred vision needs investigation; sudden sight loss, flashes with a curtain or sight loss with neurological deficits is urgent.
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EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.