DOCTORS in Southampton are using innovative new tests to diagnose sight problems in children earlier.

New scanners are allowing eye experts at Southampton Children’s Hospital to take images of retinas in children’s eyes no matter their age, when previously only children over five could take the test.

They are searching for nystagmus, a rare condition that causes eyes to ‘wobble’ – leading to strobe vision that makes it difficult to see moving objects, recognise faces or perform everyday activities.

The condition, commonly found in babies and young children, affects around 1,500 people in the UK and is incurable, but if detected early enough it can be treated to ease the symptoms.

Jay Self, consultant paediatric ophthalmologist at the hospital, said: “Nystagmus is a complicated condition which can occur as an isolated condition, alongside other eye diseases or as part of a neurological disease.

“Therefore, testing and diagnosing it has proved very challenging, however, we have introduced a number of new techniques which are allowing us to diagnose children much earlier and, in many cases, find a genetic cause.”

He added: “As a result of these innovations – made possible by support from the Nystagmus Network, the American Nystagmus Network, the Gift of Sight Appeal charity and a legacy – combined with better genetic understanding, we are now seeing around 50 per cent of children being diagnosed correctly.

“With more treatment options arriving for different eye diseases based on gene modification and stem cell technology, knowing why somebody has nystagmus has never been more important and these developments make it a very exciting time for patients and clinicians alike.”

Doctors also have access to a state-of-the-art eye tracker which allows specialists to measure visual dysfunction by assessing patients' eye movements in minute detail.

A team from the hospital will man an information stand tomorrow at Southampton General Hospital to mark international nystagmus awareness day, or ‘Wobbly Wednesday’.

It will be followed by a charity quiz at the Maritimo Lounge in Ocean Village, Southampton from 7.30pm.