What does a pediatric ophthalmologist do?
Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eyes and visual system in children. A comprehensive eye examination includes several special tests that determine how your child sees at all distances, measures the health of the eye, and assesses any potential problems or defects in vision development. Some children require regular follow-up examinations to monitor the development of their vision and visual system. If you’d like to find a Pediatric Eye Doctor near Prior Lake MN, contact Insight Vision Care today.
What are Pediatric Ophthalmologists?
Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical doctors, who have specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eyes and visual system in children. The word “pediatric” means “relating to children”. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats diseases or health problems related to vision—this includes your child’s eyesight and overall eye health.
Why would my child need to see a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?
Your child may be referred to a local pediatric ophthalmologist for an eye examination because of:
- Strabismus: When one or both eyes do not move in the same direction at the same time.
- Amblyopia: Also known as lazy eye, it’s when your child can’t see well with one of his or her eyes.
- Other eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. These problems are more easily treated if they are caught early on.
- Family history of eye disease. Some families have a higher risk of developing certain conditions that affect vision, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration (AMD). The genes that put your children at risk can also be passed down from their parents, so you should find out if there’s any family history before getting pregnant with another baby who could inherit the same condition later on in life!
What happens during a children’s eye exam?
A comprehensive eye examination includes several special tests that determine how your child sees at all distances, measures the health of the eye, and assesses any potential problems or defects in vision development.
The pediatric ophthalmologist will use several types of instruments to examine your child’s eyes. These include a slit lamp (a microscope with a light source), an indirect ophthalmoscope (an instrument which allows the examiner to look through its lens at the back of your child’s eye), and various lenses that magnify parts of the optic nerve and retina so they can be examined more closely.
Your child may need special eyeglasses prescribed by their pediatric ophthalmologist if they have refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness) or other vision problems such as astigmatism. When appropriate for children younger than three years old who need glasses for reading or other activities with close-up objects (such as hand-eye coordination), bifocals or progressive lenses provide good results because they minimize any discomfort from focusing between normal distance viewing and intermediate range viewing without glasses on each side of their face simultaneously while improving overall visual function in both distance and near ranges together — especially when compared with single vision prescription lenses alone!
When to Follow-Up
Some children require regular follow-up examinations to monitor the development of their vision and visual system.
Regular follow-up examinations are important for children with visual problems. Sometimes children will need to see a pediatric ophthalmologist monthly or even more often, depending on the nature of their condition and the type of treatment they’re receiving. Many children with visual problems may also require special equipment to help them read or do schoolwork, such as:
- A handheld magnifier (or “magnifying glass”) that provides extra magnification for reading, sewing, crafts and other activities;
- Computer glasses or goggles that enlarge text on a computer screen;
- Special sunglasses for outdoor use.
Takeaway: Early detection is key to protecting your child’s vision for life.
As a pediatric ophthalmologists, we are often asked what the most important thing parents can do to protect their child’s vision for life. Our answer is simple: early detection.
We’ve known many children who have been diagnosed with retinoblastoma (RB), a rare and aggressive eye cancer that forms in the retina of the eye at birth or during childhood. If left untreated, this disease can cause permanent blindness in the affected eye—but luckily, if detected early enough, treatment options are available to save your child’s vision (and often even give them more than perfect 20/20).
If you are concerned about any developmental issues with your child’s eyesight or appearance of their eyes—or if you notice any redness around their pupil or eyelids—be sure to schedule an appointment with your local pediatric ophthalmologist right away! Early detection is key in preventing future complications from developing later on down the road; so don’t hesitate because you think something might just be “growing pains.” The sooner we catch it beforehand (and provide appropriate treatment), then everyone wins: especially little ones who deserve every opportunity possible for success throughout school years ahead
A pediatric ophthalmologist is a highly skilled doctor who combines the expertise of both an eye doctor and a pediatrician. Any pediatric ophthalmologist can make sure that your child has healthy eyes and good vision for life. At Insight Vision Care, we would be happy to help you and your family with all your vision needs. Whether it’s comprehensive eye exams, eye surgery, treatment plans, eyewear, or a different need, Insight Vision Care is always here to help.