Eye Department Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What is anisocoria? Anisocoria is a difference in the pupil size between the eyes. The iris regulates the amount of light entering the eye by enlarging or shrinking the pupil size. In normal eyes this will happen equally in each eye. Below is an example of a small right pupil and a larger one...

What is albinism? Albinism is a condition that affects melanin production. Melanin is a dark brown pigment that gives colour to hair, skin and the eyes, it is a condition people are born with. People with albinism produce less or no melanin and have very pale skin and hair. There are many different...

What is a low vision aid (LVA) clinic? This clinic aims to show your child how to use a range of different low vision aids, such as magnifier and binoculars. Low vision aids can help a visually impaired child with many activities, such as reading and writing. If your child finds a low vision...

What is a squint? A squint where the eyes do not align as normal. One eye appears straight and the other eye drifts in a different direction. This can happen intermittently or all of the time. Some squints appear obvious when looking into the distance or close up, while others are the same at...

A blocked tear duct is a fairly common. Tear ducts are like tiny tubes that your tears pass through. They are part of the drainage system that goes from your eyes to your throat. A blocked tear duct happens when your nasal passageways in your nose become blocked and cannot properly drain tear liquid...

What is a cataract? A congenital cataract is a cataract that appears when a baby is born or shortly afterwards. A cataract can happen in one or in both eyes. A developmental cataract is one that develops after a few months or years after birth. A cataract is when the lens in the eye becomes…...

What is the visual impairment (VI) telephone consultation clinic? When your child is diagnosed with a visual impairment, we understand it can be a difficult and overwhelming time. We will try to answer all of your questions at your appointment, but you may have more questions or concerns when you...

Where is the ophthalmology department in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital? The ophthalmology department is on A floor and can be accessed from its own entrance on A road (opposite the multi storey car park). If you wish to speak to someone before coming to the hospital or have some special...

What is a squint? A squint is a misalignment of the eyes where one eye appears straight and the other eye drifts in a different direction. This can happen intermittently or all of the time. Some squints appear larger when looking into the distance or close up, while others are the same at all...

Washing hands Clean hands are very important when touching and handling your contact lenses. It will help to stop infections and germs from getting into your eyes and making them sore. 1. Use tablet or liquid soap and rub onto your palms. 2. Rub your palms together working up a lather. 3. Slip your...

What is pseudo-strabismus? When the eyes are not in line with each other this is known as strabismus. This is more commonly called a squint. Pseudo-strabismus is the appearance that the eyes are not in line with each other even though the eyes are normally aligned. Pseudo-strabismus is caused by...

What is aniridia? Very rarely before a baby is born, not all of the eye develops as it should. If the iris does not grow then this is known as aniridia. In some children only some parts of the iris is affected and the condition is called ‘partial’ aniridia. What is the cause of aniridia?…...

How do I put in contact lens? The instructions for inserting and removing the lenses sound very complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it will get easier. These instructions are simply to remind you what you were taught in the contact lens clinic. Almost all parents and carers are scared of...

The eye department is located on A floor in Sheffield Children’s Hospital. When you come to your appointment, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will ask you to check in. You will then be called in by the orthoptist for your appointment. Vision test It is important for us to test each...

What is nystagmus? Nystagmus is an eye condition where the eyes are unsteady or wobbly. Children do not know that they are doing it. The wobble of the eyes makes the vision blurred like if a camera moves during a photograph. The wobbly eye movements are usually from side to side but they can...

What is occlusion therapy? Occlusion (using an eye patch or atropine eye drops) is a method of treatment used to improve ‘amblyopia’ in children. What is amblyopia? Amylyopia is poor vision in one eye, which is not due to a disease of the eye. It occurs when normal visual development is...

This resource about coloboma will explain: The way the eyes and brain normally work to make ‘vision’ The reason why vision may become impaired by a specific condition The cause of the condition The effects of the condition on the child’s vision How the condition is diagnosed What...

Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses. They are safe to use with the correct guidance and may be the best treatment option for your child. Will my child be uncomfortable wearing contact lenses? There are different types of contact lenses. The first lenses that will be fitted to your child’s...

How do I clean and disinfect contact lenses? You lenses will need to be cleaned and disinfected overnight after you have worn them. You will be given enough cleaning solutions by Sheffield Children’s but if you  run out you can buy more supplies from a local opticians or chemist. For both soft...

Why does my child need glasses? In most cases glasses are prescribed for children to improve vision, they may also be given to prevent poor vision from developing or to treat a squint. Glasses are not always ordered, even if the child is found to be long or short-sighted. There are various factors...

What is amblyopia? Amblyopia, also known as a ‘lazy eye’ is when there is poor vision in one eye or sometimes both eyes. It occurs when normal visual development is interrupted in early childhood. What causes amblyopia? Amblyopia can be caused by: a squint (strabismus) – when one eye...

What is my consent to share information needed for? The professionals in the Eye Care Team (orthoptists, nurses, optometrist and ophthalmologists) need to be able to share information about you and your child with other professionals and members of the health care team (such as teachers including...

Why does my child need atropine eye drops? Atropine has been prescribed to your child to let an eye care specialist to check the back of your child’s eyes and to see if they need glasses. Atropine drops or ointment may be used when: a child has particularly dark irises (the coloured part of...

Why does my child need eye drops? Eye drops are required to enlarge your child’s pupil (the black part of the eye) so the optometrist (ophthalmic optician) or doctor (ophthalmologist) can see through the pupil and examine the back of the eye and to determine if glasses are needed. What effects do...