Pediatric ophthalmology – Bharti Eye Foundation

Many children and newborn newborns suffer from a range of vision problems. The earlier these problems are recognised and addressed, the better. The treatment of children’s eye problems is the focus of Pediatric ophthalmology.

Early diagnosis of vision-related problems in children is aided by pediatric ophthalmology. Eye defects can render a child blind for life if not repaired within six months of birth. The optic nerve is still developing throughout the first six months of life, and if eye problems are not treated at this time, irreversible damage may occur.

Similarly, young children may have a range of vision problems without being aware of it. This is why incorporating pediatric ophthalmology into the curriculum is crucial.

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What happens during an eye examination for your child?

A series of eye exams will be performed on your child to establish their eye health. The examination for your youngster will most likely span many hours. Two or three of our doctors normally conduct the testing. We shall uncover in the first round of tests:

How well your child detects close and faraway items. If your child is unable to read, we can evaluate his or her eyesight using examinations that may include pictures or shapes.

Your child has depth perception.

How well your child’s eyes align and move together when tracking objects (done by an orthoptist).

Peripheral vision, commonly known as side vision in children.

In the second part of the exam, we could:

Dilate or expand your child’s pupils with eye drops.

After around 30 minutes, an ophthalmologist will inspect the inner of your child’s eyes through the widened pupils to see if there are any problems and to determine whether your child needs corrective lenses.

Examine your child’s eyes using special lights and lenses to determine whether or not he or she requires glasses and to rule out any problems.

What Does a Pediatric Ophthalmologist Do?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists can both examine children’s eyes, test their vision, and prescribe glasses or contacts as needed. Despite the fact that optometrists are not medical doctors, they can prescribe medication for some eye conditions. All eye disorders and issues can be diagnosed and treated by ophthalmologists.

Use eye drops to dilate or widen your child’s pupils.

After around 30 minutes, an ophthalmologist will inspect the inner of your child’s eyes through the widened pupils to see if there are any problems and to determine whether your child requires corrective lenses.

Examine your child’s eyes using special lights and lenses to determine whether or not he or she requires glasses and to rule out any problems.

What Is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist’s Role?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists can both examine children’s eyes, test their vision, and prescribe glasses or contacts if necessary. Although optometrists are not medical doctors, they can prescribe medication for some eye conditions. All eye disorders and issues are diagnosed and treated by ophthalmologists.

Young toddlers are frequently unable to express their symptoms or respond appropriately to medical concerns. Pediatric ophthalmologists that are competent in making youngsters feel at ease and cooperative while providing care. They use eye examinations tailored to the child’s developmental stage, as well as child-sized equipment.

Pediatric ophthalmologists must first complete medical school and then additional training in eye disorders to become an ophthalmologist. They are then trained in recognising and treating child eye disorders. The schooling process lasts 13 years and consists of the following steps:

• University of Medicine Bachelor of Science (four years)
• One-year internship
• Residency in ophthalmology (three years)
• Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology (at least one year)

Why See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Your child’s vision will be examined by their paediatrician or family doctor during routine check-ups. If they or you see something wrong with your child’s eyes, they may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The following signs suggest that a child may have an eye problem:

• sensitivity to light
• Eyes crossed or wandering
• Redness or wetness of the eyes, as well as recurrent pus or crust
• They are constantly massaging their eyes.
• They are squinting and straining their heads to see
• Doctors prescribe a complete eye examination for
• Children who were born prematurely.
• Those who are born with a condition that increases their chances of developing eye problems, such as Down syndrome.
• Children with a learning disability or a developmental delay