Children have unique care needs
Paediatric ophthalmology is the medical and surgical specialty dedicated to eye care, vision development and eye diseases in children and babies.
Symptoms
Often children do not complain of a problem and if only one eye is affected it may not be obvious to parents. This is why family history and screening tests such as StEPS (Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening) is important. Also concerns can be raised by the family doctor or pediatrician.
When to see a doctor
After a certain age, some childhood vision problems cannot be treated. Because of this limited window of opportunity to treat, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis to help prevent irreversible visual limitations as an adult.
There are many causes of eye disease in children, however family history is often an important contributor. The causes can be congenital (from birth) or acquired.
Children have unique care needs. Young children can’t always express how they’re feeling, and they often require a different treatment approach to adults. Our team of paediatric ophthalmologists are experienced in diagnosing, treating and working with children of all ages.
Our paediatric ophthalmologists use special equipment and use the latest tests and equipment designed for children. Our team are passionate about giving all children the best possible care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.
Some of the treatments our paediatric ophthalmologists offer include:
- amblyopia (lazy eye) management
- strabismus (squint) management
- watery eye due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction
- congenital retinal diseases
- diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory eye conditions
- glasses prescriptions
- paediatric cataract treatment
- paediatric myopia
- paediatric glaucoma
- surgical procedures
- treatment for eye infections
- abnormal StEPs (Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening) results
- behavioural and learning difficulties relating to vision.
A paediatric eye review is also important as part of a team approach to systemic conditions such as congenital syndromes often involving paediatrician and neurology.
A study on myopia progression in children is currently underway at MQ Health Ophthalmology with Dr Loren Rose.