Pediatric Eye Care

Many children experience the same vision problems as adults, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as congenital vision conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), which can significantly affect proper vision development. Young children may be unaware of the fact that they are experiencing abnormal vision, which is why regular exams and early detection are essential in maintaining healthy eyes for your child.

We provide specialized pediatric eye care services that focus on ensuring that your child maintains clear, strong vision as they grow. Our doctors are highly trained and experienced in the special needs of pediatric eye conditions and offer patients the skill and reliability to effectively treat these conditions.

Regular Eye Exams

Children should have their first eye exam at about age two, although it’s never too early to test a child’s vision and eye health. Comprehensive eye exams are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, injury and disease. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the child experiences difficulty in school due to poor vision, or before any permanent damage has been done to the eye(s). Children’s eye exams test visual acuity, eye tracking, and focusing skills, and detect problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia, crossed eyes, dyslexia, and color blindness, and should be performed on a yearly basis.

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is an eye condition that results in reduced vision in one eye. This condition affects two to three percent of the population as a result of genetic causes, related conditions or trauma. When this condition occurs, the unaffected eye usually becomes stronger and suppresses the amblyopic eye, often rendering it useless.

Patients with amblyopia may experience eyestrain, squinting, headaches and overall poor vision. This condition usually develops in children before the age of six, and can significantly affect central vision if left untreated. While many cases are caused by a misalignment of the eyes, such as strabismus or crossed eyes, amblyopia can also be caused by trauma to the eye or a very strong refractive error.

Effective treatment for amblyopia depends on the underlying cause of the condition, but may include glasses to improve focusing or eye exercises to correct improper vision habits. Eye drops and patching may also be prescribed. More serious cases or those that do not respond to conservative treatment may need surgery to straighten the eyes so that they can focus together and see properly.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is the term for when a person cannot align both eyes on an object at the same time. The condition occurs in about 5% of children, and many adults suffer from it as well. Strabismus can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired from eye injury, diabetes, stroke and other conditions. Strabismus may manifest at first as double vision. If left untreated, it can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision, and blindness in the weaker eye. For children, early treatment is best, preferably before the age of six. Older patients can be helped as well; it’s never too late to seek treatment. Strabismus treatment often includes prescribing glasses or surgery to straighten the eyes so that they can focus together.

Treatment of Eye Conditions

Any vision or eye health problems detected are treated by our experienced team of doctors using safe, minimally invasive techniques that take into account the special needs of developing eyes. Treatment for pediatric vision conditions may include glasses to improve focusing or eye exercises to correct improper vision habits.

We strive to provide the highest quality of care so that your child can achieve optimal vision and eye health that does not affect their school work or other everyday activities. Your child’s doctor will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s individual condition.

To learn more about our pediatric eye case services, please call us today to schedule an appointment.