Pediatric Eye Care Services

Even the youngest of eyes can have visual difficulties. Whether it is the cause of prematurity, an inherited condition or common infection, children’s eyes are not immune to problems. Babies visual system continues to develop after birth, and for it to develop properly, they need clear input from both eyes to the brain. Our experienced staff and pediatric-trained ophthalmic surgeon provide an extra gentle touch and nurturing environment when working with the vision of the future.

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. Unless treatment is begun early, the loss of vision in the amblyopic eye can become permanent. 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. On the other hand, the later treatment is begun, the longer it will take to correct vision and the less visual improvement is possible.

Muscle Surgery

In healthy eyes, six muscles work in tandem to keep the eyes straight and balanced as well as make them turn together in any direction. When these muscles are not balanced, then the eyes are misaligned, and they 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 the way 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 is pulling 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.