Pediatric ophthalmology – Bharti Eye Foundation

Many children and newborn newborns suffer from a range of ocular problems. The earlier these problems are detected and addressed, the better. Pediatric ophthalmology is focused with the treatment of children’s eye problems.

Early diagnosis of vision-related disorders in children is aided by paediatric ophthalmology. Eye defects that are not repaired within six months after birth can leave a child blind for life. The optic nerve is still developing throughout the first six months of life, and if eye problems are not treated during this time, irreversible damage can occur.

Similarly, young children may be suffering from a range of eyesight problems without ever realising it. This is why including paediatric ophthalmology in the curriculum is crucial.

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What happens during an eye exam for your child?

Your child will first undergo a series of eye exams to establish their eye health. The exam for your youngster will most likely span many hours. Two or three of our doctors normally do the tests. We will learn the following during the first round of tests:

How well your child observes local and distant items. If your child is unable to read, we can evaluate his or her vision utilising tests that may include pictures or shapes.

Depth perception in your youngster.

How well your child’s eyes align and move together when tracking items (done by an orthoptist).

Peripheral vision, often known as side vision, in your child.

In the second section of the exam, we may:

Use eye drops to dilate or widen your child’s pupils.

After around 30 minutes, an ophthalmologist will inspect the inner of your child’s eyes through the widened pupils to see if there are any problems and to determine whether your child requires corrective lenses.

Examine your child’s eyes using special lights and lenses to determine whether or not he or she requires glasses and to rule out any problems.

What Is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist’s Role?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists can both examine children’s eyes, test their vision, and prescribe glasses or contacts if necessary. Although optometrists are not medical doctors, they can prescribe medication for some eye conditions. All eye disorders and issues are diagnosed and treated by ophthalmologists.

Young toddlers are frequently unable to express their symptoms or respond appropriately to medical concerns. Pediatric ophthalmologists that are competent in making youngsters feel at ease and cooperative while providing care. They use eye examinations tailored to the child’s developmental stage, as well as child-sized equipment.

Paediatric ophthalmologists must first complete medical school and then additional training in eye disorders to become an ophthalmologist. They are then trained in recognising and treating child eye disorders. The schooling process lasts 13 years and consists of the following steps:

• University of Medicine Bachelor of Science (four years)
• One-year internship
• Residency in ophthalmology (three years)
• Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology (at least one year)

Young toddlers are frequently unable to appropriately express their symptoms or respond to medical concerns. Pediatric ophthalmologists who are experienced at providing care to children in a way that helps them feel at ease and pleasant. They use eye exams that are tailored to the child’s developmental stage, as well as child-sized equipment.

Instruction and Training To become an ophthalmologist, pediatric ophthalmologists must first attend medical school and then additional training in eye disorders. They are then given additional training in recognising and treating child eye disorders. The education process lasts 13 years and is as follows:

• Bachelor of Science, University of Medicine (four years)
• Year-long internship
• Residency in Ophthalmology (three years)
• Fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology (at least one year)

Reasons to See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist

Your child’s vision will be examined by their paediatrician or family doctor during routine checkups. If they or you notice a problem with your child’s eyes, they may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The following symptoms suggest that a child may have an eye problem:

• Sensitivity to light
• Crossed or wandering eyes
• Red or watery eyes, persistent pus, or crust
• They often massage their eyes.
• They are squinting and tilting their heads to see.
• Doctors prescribe a comprehensive eye examination for
• Children born prematurely
• Those born with a disorder, such as Down syndrome, that increases their chances of having eye problems.
• Children with learning disabilities or developmental delays