Pediatric ophthalmology

Overview

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Eye test poster used in pediatric ophthalmology.

Pediatric ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders in children. Pediatric ophthalmologists are trained to manage various eye conditions that affect children, including strabismus, amblyopia, and congenital eye disorders.

Common Conditions

Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. It can lead to double vision or amblyopia if not treated. Pediatric ophthalmologists often use a combination of glasses, eye patching, and sometimes surgery to correct strabismus.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a developmental problem in the brain, not an organic problem in the eye. It occurs when the brain and the eye are not working together properly. Treatment often involves patching the stronger eye to force the brain to use the weaker eye.

Congenital Eye Disorders

Pediatric ophthalmologists also manage congenital eye disorders such as congenital cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term vision problems.

Diagnostic Techniques

Pediatric ophthalmologists use various diagnostic techniques to assess eye health in children. These include:

• Visual acuity tests using age-appropriate methods, such as picture charts or matching games.
• Refraction tests to determine the need for corrective lenses.
• Ocular motility tests to assess eye alignment and movement.
• Slit-lamp examination to inspect the structures of the eye.

Treatment Modalities

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Corrective lenses are often prescribed to children with refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Patching

Patching is a common treatment for amblyopia, where the stronger eye is covered to encourage use of the weaker eye.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may be necessary for conditions like strabismus or congenital cataracts. Pediatric ophthalmologists are skilled in performing delicate surgeries on young patients.

Role of Pediatric Ophthalmologists

Pediatric ophthalmologists play a crucial role in the early detection and management of eye conditions in children. They work closely with pediatricians, optometrists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Related Pages

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision therapy
• Eye surgery