Young children have vision screenings performed by pediatricians, primary care doctors, and later on by an optometrist. Everything may appear to be normal, but children cannot always tell you what is going on with their vision. Do they realize they have blurred vision or if one eye sees better than the other? They assume their vision is normal, however, in some cases, there may be a medical problem with their eyes or their vision. Parents need to look for signs your child needs to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. We will point you to some specific signs.
Pediatric Ophthalmologists Are….
Pediatric ophthalmologists are board-certified medical doctors and specialists trained not only to diagnose medical eye problems, but also treat the issue, and then maintain the child’s vision for years to come, if necessary.
Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to handle young children and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. They know how to examine children in a way which alleviates any fear.
Pediatric ophthalmologists have special equipment designed for children. In addition, the office is inviting and non-threatening with books, games, toys, and videos to keep them occupied and calm.
Pediatric ophthalmologists have at least 9 years of training.
Signs Parents Should Look For
Misaligned Eyes
You may notice one eye is not lined up properly. It can happen occasionally or all the time. This is known as crossed eyes, or strabismus. There are several non-invasive treatments which Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates can suggest. If those do not correct the problem, strabismus surgery may be recommended.
Watery Eyes
This can begin when your child is an infant, and it is due to a blocked tear duct. It is common and is easily fixed. A membrane in the baby’s tear duct does not open causing mucus and tears to flow out of the eyes.
Squinting or Shutting Eyes
It is not easy for parents to notice signs of Amblyopia, and yet it happens to be the leading cause of decreased vision in children. Other signs include a tilted head, poor depth perception, but the first sign is usually an abnormal result on a vision screening test. With Amblyopia one eye is stronger than the other and sees well, while the weaker eye is not working together with the brain. Sometimes it is called “lazy eye,” and if it is not treated, vision can be impaired for life. There are a number of ways to encourage the weak eye to work harder like drops and patching the good eye.
Trouble Recognizing And Following People Or Objects With Their Eyes
Normally an adult problem, this can be a sign of a pediatric cataract. In most cases children are born with them or develop them early in life. Just as a cataract needs to be surgically removed in an adult, the same is true of children and babies.
Red Eyes
Unfortunately, not every child with Uveitis gets red eyes as a warning sign. It is an inflammation inside the eye and must be diagnosed by a pediatric ophthalmologist with special equipment.
Parents should watch for a child who frequently rubs his eyes, is sensitive to light, has crust in the eyes, drooping eyelids, and bulging eyes as other possible signs of a vision problem.
Sources:
What is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist? – HealthyChildren.org
Does My Child Really Need to See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist? (centerforsightlv.com)
When It’s Time to See the Pediatric Ophthalmologist (nationwidechildrens.org)
Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist in Newton Square, PA
Contact Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates at (610) 347-7672 if your child exhibits any of the above signs of a medical eye problem. Our pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat medical problems the eyes or vision.