Pediatric Eye Care Doctors
Even the youngest of eyes can have visual impairments. Children’s eyes are not immune to problems, such as prematurity, an inherited condition or common infection. A baby’s visual system continues to develop after birth and proper development requires the brain to receive clear input from both eyes. Pediatric eye care requires a special team with experience in treating eye conditions common to children and with a special touch and manner critical in relating to kids. At Hauser-Ross, our experienced staff and fellowship trained pediatric ophthalmologist provide an extra-gentle touch and nurturing environment.
Lazy Eyes
Amblyopia is a visual problem that occurs when the brain begins to ignore the information coming from one eye and, if untreated, eventually “forgets” how to use the eye properly. Vision loss can become permanent in the amblyopic eye if treatment is delayed. Amblyopia is treated by covering, or patching, the stronger eye so the weaker eye is forced to work. Patching works quickly for young children and, generally, the earlier patching is started, the more effective it will be.
Muscle Surgery
Healthy eyes have six muscles that work in tandem to keep the eyes straightened and balanced, as well as make them turn together in all directions. When these muscles are not balanced, the eyes are misaligned, and may turn inward or outward.
Congenital esotropia is a crossing of the eyes which becomes evident in the child’s first six months of life. Crossed eyes, or imbalance in how each eye focuses, can interfere with normal development of the visual system.
Muscle surgery is often needed to correct alignment. This is achieved by adjusting the tension, or pull, of certain muscles. A muscle that pulls too much is made weaker by moving it back. If a muscle requires strengthening, a portion of it is removed and the muscle is sewn back into place.
Serving patients from: Sycamore, Rochelle, Dixon, Yorkville, DeKalb, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Sandwich, Dixon, Rockford, Belvidere, Oswego and more!
