Eye Problems
We treat children and adults for a variety of conditions. The most frequent ones are:
| • Strabismus | • Down Syndrome |
| • Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) | • Cerebral Palsy / Neurodevelopmental Disorders |
| • Myopia (nearsightedness) | • Prematurity |
| • Hyperopia (farsightedness) | • Cataracts |
| • Astigmatism | • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| • Conjunctivitus (Pink Eye) | • Juvenile Diabetes |
| • Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia | • Tear Duct Obstruction |
If you or your doctor suspect any of the above conditions, please call us for an appointment.
Amblyopia - Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition in which one has less than normal vision. This usually is the result of abnormal visual stimulation and development in childhood. In order to develop normal vision and binocularity (the use of two eyes together), a child must have clear pictures focused in each eye and the eyes must be aligned well. If the eyes are focused and aligned well, they then can send clear 20/20 signals to the brain. The brain learns how to interpret these signals as the child grows. If the child does not get to experience clear vision at a young age, it can become difficult to improve the vision, as the child gets older. Unfortunately, amblyopia can affect both eyes or just one eye. This can make amblyopia very difficult for parents to detect without a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Amblyopia can be treated with prescription eyeglasses, patching one eye, and even eye drops. The key is to diagnose the problem early in life because we often get better results with earlier treatment.
Astigmatism - A condition in which the front of the eye is shaped like an oval (football) rather than a sphere (basketball). Objects are seen as blurred and distorted. Astigmatism can adversely affect a child's school performance and may be associated with headaches and eye strain. Astigmatism is easily treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts - A cataract is an opacity or clouding of the lens. Although cataracts are usually present in an older age group, they can occur in young children and even at birth. If a cataract is present in a young child, it can adversely affect visual development and cause amblyopia (lazy eye).
Pediatric cataracts and the resultant amblyopia are difficult problems to treat. Advances in surgical techniques and better understanding of the problems associated with pediatric cataracts have led the way to better visual outcomes for patients. It is possible to remove the cataracts through microscopic incisions. Cataract surgery is generally done on an outpatient basis.
Cerebral Palsy - A child with CP is at a higher than average risk for neurological eye disease. Problems like strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), nystagmus (jiggling eyes), and optic nerve abnormalities are more common in children with CP. If detected by your pediatric ophthalmologist, many vision problems in children with Cerebral Palsy can be treated.
Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis or "pink eye" is a condition where the eyes look pink or red and may have discharge. Symptoms may include burning, irritation, discharge, or crusting of the lashes.
This occurs when the clear membrane over the white of the eyes becomes inflamed. There are many causes of conjunctivitis, including infections from viruses and bacteria, trauma, allergy, internal inflammation called uveitis, and irritants like smoke and chemical cleaners. Your medical professional can be very helpful in first determining the cause of the conjunctivitis, so that the most appropriate treatment can be suggested.
Diabetes - Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Generally, when people talk about "diabetes" they are speaking about diabetes mellitus. Diabetes can damage vision through various ways. The most important elements to maintaining good ocular health are careful monitoring, early intervention, and good blood glucose control.
Down Syndrome - Down syndrome is caused by a duplication of all or part of chromosome 21 so that there are 3 copies of the chromosome rather than the usual 2 copies. The extra genetic material leads to certain physical abnormalities in persons with Down syndrome.
Children with Down syndrome are at a higher than average risk for eye disease. Refractive errors (needing glasses), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and even cataracts (clouding of the lens), are more common among children with Down syndrome. A thorough examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist can help identify and treat these eye problems.
Hyperopia - A condition in which distant objects are seen more clearly than near objects. Hyperopia can blur a child's vision, especially for near. Hyperopia can adversely affect a child's school performance and may be associated with headaches and eye strain. Hyperopia is easily treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Juvenile Diabetes - Children with juvenile diabetes are at risk for eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Having regular examinations by an ophthalmologist can help detect and treat the earliest signs of diabetic eye disease.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - Children with JRA are at risk for eye disease. Inflammation, or uveitis, can occur inside the eye and, if untreated, can cause significant visual problems. A child can have this inflammation inside the eye without any noticeable symptoms. That is why it is so important for children with JRA to have regular eye examinations as often as every three to six months.
Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia - It is important for parents to realize that visual problems do not cause learning disabilities or dyslexia. However, it is equally important for these parents to realize that poor vision can aggravate or worsen learning disabilities. Focusing problems are often easily corrected with prescription glasses, and in many cases this can help to increase a child's concentration and school performance.
Myopia - A condition in which near objects are seen more clearly than distant objects. Myopia can blur distance vision and adversely affect a child's school performance. Myopia is easily treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Prematurity - Children born prematurely are at risk for a disease called "Retinopathy of Prematurity". ROP can result in retinal disease and reduced vision. Eye examinations by an ophthalmologist can detect early signs of ROP. Early treatment may be indicated for an improved visual result.
Premature children are also at higher risk for refractive errors (needing glasses), strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), and amblyopia (decreased vision). These problems can be successfully treated even at an early age.
Strabismus - Strabismus is any misalignment of the eyes. The two most common types of strabismus are esotropia eyes turning inward) and exotropia (eyes turning outward).
When the eyes are healthy, they work together as a team. Both eyes point toward the same object and the brain fuses these two slightly different images into a single picture. Strabismus describes a condition when the two eyes are misaligned, pointing in different directions. This condition is commonly referred to as a "crossed eye", "lazy eye" or a "wandering eye".
Six different muscles control the movement of each eye. In order for the visual system to work properly, the muscles of each eye must work cooperatively with their counterpart in the other eye. Our best vision, and best depth perception, is possible when both eyes work together as a team.
When an individual has strabismus, the wandering eye may be turned inward, outward, upward or downward. The misalignment may be obvious or subtle. Strabismus may be constant or intermittent, so that a child may appear to have straight eyes most of the time, and a wandering eye when tired, daydreaming or sick.
Four children in every one hundred have strabismus. It occurs equally in both sexes, and may be genetically inherited. Strabismus can occur for the first time in infancy, childhood or even adulthood. Strabismus is not outgrown, and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as it is suspected. When a child has strabismus, the brain usually ignores the eye that is misaligned in order to avoid double vision. Unfortunately, when a child ignores an eye due to strabismus, vision can be severely decreased.
Strabismus can often be treated with glasses, patching, or eye exercises. In some patients, eye muscle surgery is necessary to treat the strabismus.
Early treatment usually results in a better visual outcome than treatment at an older age. For this reason problems should be evaluated as soon as they are suspected. It is equally as important to have your child's eyes routinely examined during early infancy and again during the preschool years. This is especially true if there is a family history of eye problems.
Overflow Tearing and Chronic Eye Infections in Infants
Tearing Problems and Eye Infections in Infants
What causes tearing problems in infants?
Tearing problems are often due to a blockage of the tear duct. This is a common condition in babies, which can be associated with chronic eye infections.
How do tears drain from the eye?
Tears drain from the eye through a small opening in the upper and lower eyelids, flow into a narrow tube, and finally drain into the back of the nose. That is why your nose runs every time you cry.
Are there other causes of tearing problems?
Very rarely, excessive tearing can be caused by pediatric glaucoma. There are other signs and symptoms associated with pediatric glaucoma such as an enlarged eye, a clouded cornea, high pressure in the eye, light sensitivity, and infant irritability. Tearing problems can also be caused by wind, pollen, smoke, or chemical irritation.
How are blocked tear ducts treated?
Initially, your doctor may recommend antibiotic eye drops or ointment along with a light massage over the tear sac. It is best if your doctor personally demonstrates how to massage the tear sac. Some tear duct blockages may resolve on their own during the first year of life. If the tearing persists, it may be necessary for the ophthalmologist to treat the problem with a tear duct probing procedure.