adoptspecialneeds.org

FACTS:

• Children may be born with one underdeveloped eye or absent eye. In rare cases a baby may be born missing both eyes
  
• It is important to have the child’s vision assessed early (and every year) to ensure they have good vision in the one remaining eye.
  
• This condition occurs when the eye tissue does not form correctly, or the eye tissue is damaged during early pregnancy.
  
• It may occur as a single birth defect or with other birth defects.
  
• The child is permanently blind in one or both eyes.
  
• They can lead active and normal lives with vision in just one eye.
  
• They are usually of normal intelligence.

TREATMENT:

• The child may be fitted with an artificial eye, called a prosthetic to allow a normal appearance and growth of the face.  This typically does not require any surgery.
  
• It is important to have the child’s vision in their normal eye checked and corrected with glasses if needed.
  
• The child should wear glasses (for eye protection) at all times to protect the one eye with vision.

HELPFUL HINTS:

• The baby should be approached from the “sighted” eye side.
  
• Provide colorful and textures toys and blankets to stimulate brain development.
  
• It is important for children with poor vision to be able to touch objects and to also be touched frequently by the people and children around them.
  
• The child should be encouraged to use stairs, climb and be active to help develop good depth perception.