Smarty Tips for Pediatric Eye Conditions from our Friends at CEENTA

Expert information provided by Erin O. Schotthoefer, MD, of Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.

Does your child squint to see things at a distance? Are you seeing crossing or drifting of your toddler’s eyes? Poor vision and strabismus are eye problems that can be present in infants and children. They may be noticed by family members or friends or detected by teachers or pediatricians.

Children experience a set of eye problems that are quite different from adult eye diseases. Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained, with a three-year residency in ophthalmology and a one-to-two-year fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, to diagnose and treat many of the eye problems that can affect your child. Pediatric ophthalmologists treat pediatric eye disorders such as:

– Strabismus – a condition where there is a misalignment of the eyes. This condition affects roughly two to four percent of the population.

– Amblyopia – a condition where one eye sees better than the other eye and the brain begins to rely on the better of the two eyes and ignore the weaker one. This condition affects about four percent of the population.

– Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism

– Blocked tear ducts

– Ptosis – drooping of the upper eyelid

– Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

– Retinopathy of Prematurity – a condition that can affect premature babies

– Pediatric cataracts and glaucoma

– Malformations

– Orbital tumors

Good vision is a key to every child’s development, success in school and overall physical health. Your pediatrician will play an integral role in the early examination of your child’s eyes starting at birth and at each pediatric appointment. If a problem is suspected by you or your pediatrician, a Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. pediatric ophthalmologist will perform a complete ophthalmic examination to evaluate these conditions and the health of your child’s eyes. Our pediatric ophthalmologists are fellowship trained in pediatric ophthalmology and examine patients of all ages from infancy through adolescence.

Helpful Links

American Academy of Ophthalmology – eyeSmart – Eye Health Information for Babies and Children
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates – Pediatric Ophthalmologists