Ahead of World Sight Day 2025, A Parent’s Guide To Spotting Retinal Red Flags in Kids
Here’s how parents can spot early retinal problems and protect their child’s vision before it’s too late.
Published : October 8, 2025 at 2:32 PM IST
Every parent wants their child to see the world clearly — the colours of a crayon box, the letters of their first book, the smile of their mother. But what if something deep inside the eye, something you can’t see, starts to fail? That something is the retina: a thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that turns light into the images we see. It’s like the camera sensor of the human body. And if that sensor goes wrong, even the world’s best lenses won’t help. Ahead of World Sight Day observed on October 9, ETV Bharat talked to an eye surgeon about the retina.
As Dr. Mubashir Parkar, Cataract and LASIK Surgeon at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Vashi, says, “The retina is a vital part of the eye, responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain. If retinal issues go undetected during this critical period, they can lead to permanent vision loss or developmental delays. Conditions like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), Coats' disease, retinal detachment, and inherited retinal disorders may emerge early but often show few symptoms at first.”
What Parents Should Watch Out For
Most parents don’t realize something is wrong until it’s too late. The child doesn’t complain because they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like. Parents dismiss signs as “just a phase.” But the truth is, the retina doesn’t forgive delays. The earlier a problem is caught, the higher the chance of saving vision.
So, how can you tell if something’s wrong? Dr. Parkar points out a few red flags every parent should look out for.
1. White Reflection in Photos
You’ve probably seen this — a photo where your child’s eyes reflect white or yellow instead of the usual red. Looks cute in the moment? Maybe.
Harmless? Absolutely not.
That white reflex, called Leukocoria, could point to serious conditions like retinoblastoma (a rare childhood eye cancer) or congenital cataracts. If you spot it, don’t wait for the next school eye camp. Book an appointment with an eye specialist immediately.
2. Trouble Tracking Objects
By the time your baby is 3-4 months old, they should start following objects with their eyes: a toy, your face, or that phone you keep flashing in front of them. If they don’t, it could mean the retina isn’t sending clear signals to the brain. Difficulty focusing or maintaining eye contact beyond that age isn’t just a developmental quirk; it could be an early retinal issue or another visual problem that needs medical attention.
3. Crossed or Misaligned Eyes
You know that slight inward or outward tilt in one eye that some kids have? It might look adorable in photos, but constant misalignment (Strabismus) could be hiding a bigger problem. Sometimes, poor vision in one eye caused by retinal abnormalities leads the brain to “switch off” that eye. Over time, the stronger eye takes over, and the weaker one loses its function: a condition known as lazy eye (amblyopia).
If you notice frequent misalignment, it’s time for a pediatric eye check-up.
4. Struggling to See in the Dark
If your child hesitates to move in dim light or always wants the lights switched on, it could be more than fear of the dark. Night blindness can be an early sign of inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (a condition where the retina gradually deteriorates). Early diagnosis can help slow its progression and prepare families for management options.
5. Constant Eye Rubbing or Squinting
Every parent’s seen it: the kid rubbing their eyes after screen time or homework. But if your child does it frequently, even without apparent irritation, it might be because their eyes are struggling to focus. Persistent squinting or rubbing can indicate visual discomfort, blurriness, or retinal issues. Think of it as the eyes’ way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here.”
What Is The Solution?
Many retinal issues are treatable if caught early. Pediatricians usually check for basic reflexes, but for anything beyond the ordinary, a comprehensive eye exam by a pediatric ophthalmologist is essential.
Dr. Parkar advises, “High-risk infants, such as premature babies, should receive early retinal screenings to detect conditions like ROP. Early intervention can prevent progression and preserve vision.”
This doesn’t just apply to babies. If your child has trouble reading, keeps bumping into objects, or complains about blurred vision, get their eyes checked. The sooner, the better.
Tips For Parents
- Take photos with flash — and actually look at the reflection in the pupils.
- Watch your child’s playtime — are they following moving objects easily?
- Notice their night behaviour — do they avoid dim spaces?
- Limit screen time — prolonged screen use can strain the eyes and worsen hidden issues.
- Get annual eye exams — even if your child “seems fine.”
Protecting your child's vision isn’t just about buying blue-light glasses or cutting screen time. It’s about catching the signals the retina sends when something’s wrong. So, the next time your child squints, rubs their eyes, or looks away too often — don’t just tell them to “sit properly and focus.”
Look closer. The warning signs are right there.
References:
- https://www.aao.org/education/disease-review/pediatric-retinal-detachments
- https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1091853118305196
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