Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): Babies born with a very low birth weight have an increased risk of developing abnormal peripheral retinal blood vessels that can cause the retina to come loose (detached retina), which can lead to blindness. Those babies who do not develop this problem in childhood still have an increased risk of retinal detachment later in life, and should be seen regularly by an eye doctor to check for retinal detachments.

Familial (congenital) blindness: If there is a history of blindness in the family of either the father or mother, parents may want to seek genetic counseling to help determine the risk of blindness in their children.

Retinitis pigmentosa: In this inherited disease, the retina in both eyes degenerates more and more over time (progressively). Children become unable to see at night (develop night blindness) and then lose their side (peripheral) vision. Tunnel vision (no side vision at all, as if in a tunnel) develops, followed by complete blindness.

Leber's congenital amaurosis: Blindness or near-blindness occurs in children with this disease because they lose nerve function in the retina of both eyes. A jerky movement of the eyes (nystagmus) may occur, as well as hypersensitivity to light and sunken eyes.

Congenital Glaucoma: In this disease, high pressure of the fluid within the eye, together with an enlarged cornea, can cause nerve damage in newborns and infants. A common cause is malformation of some parts of the eye. Too much tearing (excessive watering) can be a warning sign of congenital glaucoma, but may also indicate less serious conditions, such as a blocked tear duct.

Congenital cataract: The crystalline lens, usually crystal clear at birth, is cloudy (opaque), so not enough light from the outside object reaches the retina. Vision is unclear or blocked. This disease can be cured by eye surgery, which is often necessary. Cataracts are also common in the elderly, in whom they also can be cured by surgery.

Dermoid cysts: These are bumps usually found on the side of the head near the eyebrow. They are not cancer, but are actually capsules containing skin tissue, hair, fat, or other body tissue. Dermoid cysts should be removed before the child begins to walk, because they can break open during a fall and cause painful inflammation.