Pediatric Eye Care & Treatments
Pediatric Eye Exams
Kids are different, and so are their eyes. They deserve a different eye care experience that considers their development, attention span and ability to communicate. Our pediatric ophthalmologists will review any symptoms or family history with you and your child and may ask about developmental milestones or other concerns that may impact vision.
Many kids may feel nervous during an eye exam. Our pediatric ophthalmology team is trained to help your child feel comfortable and uses techniques to keep them at ease during the exam.
Eye Exams for Children with Special Needs
Some children may communicate differently or may be too young to speak or answer basic questions about what they see or can’t see. Our eye exams can be adapted to account for this and offer ways to test vision without the need to rely on verbal communication.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Program
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition where the blood vessels in a premature infant’s retina don’t fully develop. Because this condition occurs in premature infants, many patients are seen directly in the NICU. Our team works closely with NICU providers to address their needs right after birth. For follow-up care, children can visit our ROP Clinic, the only program of its kind in the region, serving all premature infants with ROP.
Diabetes in Children
Children who have diabetes are at higher risk for eye problems. Regular eye exams can help with early identification and treatment of eye disorders before vision loss occurs. Common kid’s eye care problems related to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Neuro-ophthalmology
Our pediatric ophthalmology team includes specialists in neuro-ophthalmology – a field dedicated to treating visual conditions caused by nervous system disorders. Specialized testing is available to diagnose and treat your child, and our team of providers will continuously monitor their progress.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is a common visual condition affecting children, often called a lazy eye. Many times, the condition can be corrected in your child if caught early on.
Amblyopia has different types, and treatment is personalized to your child’s specific needs. Prescription glasses may be effective for some patients. Occlusion therapy, which strengthens the weaker eye, is another treatment that often involves covering the stronger eye with a patch or using eye drops.
Some patients may benefit from more innovative approaches, like Luminopia. This FDA-approved therapy uses a VR headset that lets kids stream their favorite shows or play games instead of wearing a patch.
Strabismus
Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is another common eye problem in children. Sometimes amblyopia and strabismus may occur at the same time, so your provider may recommend prescription glasses or occlusion therapy. If these methods are not effective, surgery may be needed to correct the misalignment.