Pediatric Ophthalmology
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to examine the eyes of both children and adults. They can prescribe glasses or contacts when necessary and even treat eye disorders. However, pediatric ophthalmologists are eye doctors for kids, which means they have more in-depth knowledge and training in diagnosing and treating pediatric eye conditions.
Why does this matter? For one thing, young children usually canāt articulate their symptoms. Pediatric eye specialists have experience communicating with children and helping them feel comfortable during a consultation. A pediatric ophthalmologist also uses equipment and vision tests that are specially designed for a young patientās developmental stage. When eye exams and vision tests are tailored to meet childrenās needs, accurate results and effective treatment are more likely to occur.
Additionally, if your childās pediatrician has detected a complex or potentially serious eye condition, your child may be referred to a clinic that offers pediatric ophthalmology services to confirm the diagnosis and provide specialized treatment. Here are some conditions that pediatric ophthalmologists typically treat:
Strabismus
Also known as crossed eyes, strabismus is one of the most common pediatric eye conditions, affecting between 2% and 4% of children. Itās a condition in which one eye is turned in a different direction from the other eye. The misalignment means the eyes donāt focus together on the same object, so each eye sends a different picture to the brain. This can cause blurry or double vision. Over time, the brain may begin to ignore the picture presented by one of the eyes, which can cause that eye to weaken so that it never develops strong vision and the child develops a second eye condition known as amblyopia.
Exotropia
This is a form of strabismus in which one or both eyes are turned outward. The condition may be constant or intermittent. In the case of children with intermittent exotropia, the eyes may appear to be straight most of the time, but they occasionally drift outward. If the condition isnāt treated, intermittent exotropia can become constant.
Amblyopia
Also known as ālazy eye,ā amblyopia typically begins in childhood, and itās the most common cause of vision loss in kids. It occurs when the brain fails to recognize the sight from one eye, which usually has weaker vision, and relies almost solely on the other, stronger eye. Over time, the vision in the weaker eye becomes worse. Some symptoms of this condition include squinting, tilting the head, or shutting one eye to see better.
Ptosis
Sometimes called ādroopy eye,ā this condition occurs when the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid doesnāt do its job, thus allowing the eyelid to droop over the eye below. The eyelid may cover enough of the eye to interfere with vision, which can lead to the development of other eye conditions, including amblyopia, strabismus, and astigmatism.
Pediatric Cataracts
Cataracts are caused by the breakdown in the proteins and fibers that make up the eyeās lens. This usuallyābut not alwaysāresults from aging. People with cataracts are likely to have cloudy or hazy vision, and they may see distorted images because of the way the cataracts scatter light that passes through the lens to the retina. Although commonly associated with seniors, children can have cataracts, too. And pediatric cataracts are more serious because they can interfere with the development of critical connections between the brain and the eyes. Once these connections are madeāusually by age 8 or 10āthey canāt be changed, which means failure to provide timely treatment for pediatric cataracts can lead to permanent vision loss.
Pediatric Glaucoma
Glaucoma is another eye condition thatās often associated with older adults. But, rarely, it can occur in babies and young children. Also known as congenital glaucoma, infantile glaucoma, or juvenile glaucoma, this condition is caused by the incorrect development of the eyeās drainage system before birth. This can cause excess tear production and cloudiness of the cornea, which gives the eye an enlarged, glassy appearance. Glaucoma causes loss of peripheral vision that gets worse over time, and untreated glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.
Florida Medical Clinic offers pediatric ophthalmology services at our locations in Land Oā Lakes and North Tampa. Click here to request an appointment.