Pediatric Ophthalmology

Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained physicians with expertise in the various diseases that can disrupt visual development in children. Through medical management and surgery, pediatric ophthalmologists can treat a variety of conditions and diseases such as amblyopia, infections, strabismus, tumors, blocked tear ducts and more.

The Scott & White Eye Institute has a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist with expertise in treating children.

Amblyopia and misaligned eyes (strabismus) are visual disorders often seen in children, says pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Tomas Tredici of the Scott & White Eye Institute. These conditions should be treated promptly. In fact, amblyopia is untreatable in adulthood. Regular exams are crucial for detecting these and other pediatric eye disorders.

Causes

Amblyopia in children may be due to congenital cataracts, droopy lids (ptosis) or unequal refraction in either eye; or because an eye is turned up, down, in or out. Misaligned eye occurs when one eye is out of line, and the eyes do not move simultaneously. Its cause is unknown.

Symptoms/Diagnosis

Amblyopia, characterized by diminished vision in one eye, may not produce obvious symptoms. Regular (annual or bi-annual) examinations by school nurses, your child’s pediatrician, or a nurse practitioner are important for early detection. With misaligned eyes, when the eyes are not seeing a single object simultaneously, you may see “crossed” eyes. The condition has no symptoms, and regular eye exams are recommended.

“Be especially careful if you notice that one of your children has a white pupil,” cautions Dr. Tredici. “Pupils should be black; a white one could indicate a retinal tumor, which is potentially fatal.”

Treatment

Amblyopia is treated by placing a patch over the good eye to strengthen the weaker one. Treatment for misaligned eyes is glasses, or eye muscle surgery to strengthen or weaken the muscle to correct the misalignment.

Prevention

Parents with a family history of congenital glaucoma, congenital cataracts, amblyopia or strabismus, should have their children’s eyes examined early in life.

“The Scott & White Eye Institute treats the full spectrum of pediatric ophthalmologic disorders,” says Dr. Tredici. “We offer the best of both worlds: cutting-edge technology with small-town caring. It’s a great combination.”

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American Academy of Ophthalmology

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