When should a child see a pediatric ophthalmologist?

Most children do not need to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. However, if the pediatrician or parents suspect any abnormality of the eyes, vision or suspect any eye crossing, a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist would then be appropriate. Usually, children undergo vision screening tests at age 3 - 4 years by their pediatrician and annually at school after age 5 years.

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What is amblyopia?

Amblyopia refers to reduced vision in one or both eyes caused by visual deprivation in childhood. That is, even with proper eyeglasses, an eye with amblyopia does not see well! It is often reversible with the appropriate treatment. The term "lazy eye" is often used to describe amblyopia.

Amblyopia results from actual atrophy of the visual pathways in the brain that allow an individual eye to "see." That is, because of improper stimulation of the involved eye, the portion of the brain serving that eye does not develop properly.

Amblyopia affects approximately 2% of all children.

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What is strabismus?

Strabismus refers to any misalignment of the eyes. Common strabismus disorders include:

1. Esotropia - a.k.a. "crossed eyes"
2. Exotropia - an outward deviation of the eyes.
3. Hypertropia - a vertical misalignment of the eyes.

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How are strabismus and amblyopia detected?  

Although most strabismus is first observed by the child's parents, amblyopia is typically detected by the pediatrician or school during a vision screening exam.

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How are strabismus and amblyopia treated?

Depending upon the specific type of strabismus and amblyopia that is present, either eyeglasses, eye patches, surgery or a combination of these therapies are required.

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What is a tear duct obstruction?  

The tears are constantly manufactured by glands within the eyelids. After lubricating the eye, the tears normally drain into two small holes ("puncta") located on the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids. From there, the tears drain into the back of the nose via the tear duct (a.k.a. nasolacrimal duct). This is why we tend to have a runny nose when we cry! Infants with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction typically have a blockage at the most distant end of the duct immediately before it empties into the nose. If a tear duct obsruction does not resolve by age 12 months, a simple tear duct probing procedure is then necessary.

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When are eyeglasses necessary for a child?  

Children often require glasses if they have significant nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. Eyeglasses are also frequently required as part of the treatment for strabismus and amblyopia. Even in a young, preverbal child, an accurate measurement of the eyeglass prescription can be determined by a pediatric ophthalmologist.

For more detailed information about pediatric ophthalmology including excellent photo descriptions, please visit our website at www.pedseye.com

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Some More Frequently Asked Questions(by subject)