Paediatric Ophthalmology

Children Eye Care specialist in Navi Mumbai

Children Eye Care specialist in Navi Mumbai

 

How can I tell if my baby has normal eyes and can see normally?

Usually the earliest indication for parents that their baby can see is when the baby stares and smiles back at them. This behavior should be noted at around 1-2 months of age. However, since an infant spends most of her time sleeping and smiling does not rule out poor vision in one eye, it is best to have your baby’s eyes screened by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Our Children’s Eye care specialist at  Utsav Eye Clinic, Kharghar  recommend eye and vision screening for children at birth, at 9-12 months of age, at 3 years and at 5 years of age.

Children-eye-care-specialist-in-navi-mumbaiHow can my stubborn child be tested for glasses in early childhood even though he does not read?

A Paediatric ophthalmologist can detect the need for glasses through a complete eye exam. Typically, the pupils are dilated in order to relax the focusing muscles, so that an accurate measurement can be obtained. By using a special instrument, called a retinoscope, your eye doctor can arrive at an accurate glass prescription. The eye doctor will then advise parents whether there is a need for glasses, or whether the condition can be monitored. At Utsav Eye Clinic, Kharghar we are equipped with special vision charts for Kids that can be used to assess vision in very young children as well.

Why does a child need glasses?

Children may need glasses for several reasons—some of which are different than for adults. Because a child’s vision system is growing and developing, especially during the first 5-6 years of life, glasses may play an important role in ensuring normal vision development.

Why dilate the pupils?

Dilation of the pupils is an essential part of a complete eye examination. It is necessary to permit a complete evaluation of the inside parts of the eyes, as well as to accurately determine the presence of refractive errors-nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Are dilating drops uncomfortable?

Dilating drops sting somewhat and feel similar to getting soapy water or swimming pool water in your eyes. The discomfort is usually short, lasting only about a minute.

What does someone experience while his/her pupils are dilated?

While the pupils are dilated, the eyes will be more sensitive to light. Additionally, vision will be somewhat blurred, especially for seeing near objects. The drops usually take 45 minutes to take effect in children and 20-25 minutes in adults. The effect typically lasts from several hours to 48 hours. There are no permanent or lasting effects of the drops.

What is a lazy eye (amblyopia)?

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with lenses. It affects about 3% of the population. The eye is anatomically normal, but visual acuity is reduced even with glasses. Amblyopia is the commonest cause of vision problems in children, and develops sometime between birth and 8 or 9 years of age, the critical period of time when the visual system develops and matures. Amblyopia causes more visual loss in the age group under 40 than all the injuries and diseases combined.

I’m an adult. Why should I see a pediatric ophthalmologist?

For most of your eyecare needs, you really are best served by your general ophthalmologist. However, issues of double vision and eye misalignment are ones that your general ophthalmologist does not deal with nearly as frequently as he does other problems, whereas a pediatric ophthalmologist deals with these issues all day every day. Thus a pediatric ophthalmologist is prepared to evaluate and treat your double vision or eye misalignment in a more efficient way, including an appropriate recommendation regarding whether further medical work-up or a scan of the brain may be need. A pediatric ophthalmologist is also comfortable and proficient in using non-surgical treatment such as prisms to control double vision whenever possible, instead of surgery. If surgery is necessary, the pediatric ophthalmologist is best equipped to do this, as this is what he does all the time.

 

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