Pediatric Eye Conditions We Treat
Lazy Eye (Amblyopic)
Lazy eye starts in childhood, and is the most common cause of vision loss in kids. The good news is that early treatment works well and usually prevents long-term vision problems. Symptoms can include: squinting, shutting one eye, or tilting their head. The next step is to re-train the brain and force it to use the weaker eye. The more the brain uses it, the stronger it gets. Treatments can include: wearing an eye patch, glasses, or putting special eye drops in the stronger eye.
Stye (Chalazion)
A chalazion is a slowly developing lump that forms due to blockage and swelling of an oil gland in the eyelid. Tearing and mild irritation may result as the obstructed glands are needed for healthy tears. It will typically disappear without treatment within several weeks to a month, although they often recur. Apply warm compresses to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 4 to 6 times a day for several days.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or — in babies — an incompletely opened tear duct. Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. The most common pink eye symptoms include: Redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, or discharge in one or both eyes that that can form a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning. Because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.
Crossed/Deviating Eyes (Strabismus)
Crossed eyes, or strabismus, is a condition in which both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time. It usually occurs in people who have poor eye muscle control or are very farsighted. Symptoms of Strabismus include: Eyes that look misaligned, eyes that do not move together, frequent blinking or squinting, especially in bright sunlight, tilting the head to look at things, faulty depth perception, or double vision. Treatment for strabismus may include eyeglasses, prisms, vision therapy, or eye muscle surgery.