Pediatric Ophthalmology
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
In this condition, the eyes lack sufficient power to focus clearly in the distance, and they are worse at near distances, where even more focusing power is needed. Fortunately, most children have a large focusing reserve. If a child has only mild farsightedness, he or she can easily do the extra focusing needed, and glasses are not required. However, a very farsighted child may need glasses to help. There may be blurred vision, eyestrain or even crossing of the eyes unless glasses are prescribed to help the child focus.
Myopia (nearsightedness)
The eyes have too much focusing power. While they are good for seeing nearby objects, they are too strongly focused to see clearly in the distance. Glasses are required to remove the extra power. Some children are extremely myopic at a very young age. They will often squint their eyes, sit extremely close to the TV or hold objects close to their face. Many children do not become myopic until school age, especially grades 2-4. Regular vision screening is important to pick up myopia.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism means the eyes are out of focus because the front of the eye is shaped like the side of an egg or football instead of being spherical like the side of a basketball. Minor astigmatism is common, but a large amount can blur and tire the eyes, and glasses are required.
Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes)
Not all infants line their eyes up early in life. Often brief spells of crossing are noted up until the age of 6 months. But if your child’s eyes are crossing or wandering beyond this age or appear constantly deviated even earlier, your pediatrician will arrange an eye exam to be sure the eyes are healthy and focused properly. There are many treatment options for strabismus if your child should be among the 3-4% who require attention.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
This is a common term that refers to an eye that has not developed good vision, usually because of strabismus or an unrecognized need for glasses. Amblyopia can only be treated in preschoolers, and the earlier it is treated, the better, lest the lazy eye be permanently blurred. Early vision testing by the pediatrician is the best means to screen for amblyopia.
ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity)
Babies born extremely premature will have a growing retina. During the course of this growth, dangerous abnormal blood vessels can develop for a variety of reasons. Regular retina exams by an ophthalmologist experienced in examining tiny eyes will detect ROP and guide any needed treatment.
Blocked Tear Duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)
Watery and mattery eyes in infancy often occur due to blocked tear ducts. Fortunately, most problems will clear on their own, though the child may need eye-drops to control infection. If watery eyes persist beyond 6 months, the tear ducts may need to be probed open by the ophthalmologist.
