Scope of Pediatric Ophthalmology:

Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions and disorders that affect children, including:

• Refractive Errors: Pediatric ophthalmologists evaluate and manage refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism in children. They may prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct vision and monitor changes in refractive status as the child grows.
• Strabismus: Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, is a common condition in children that can affect visual development and depth perception. Pediatric ophthalmologists assess the type and severity of strabismus and may recommend treatments such as glasses, eye patches, vision therapy, or surgery to correct alignment.
• Amblyopia: Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition characterized by reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development during childhood. Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose amblyopia early and implement treatment strategies such as patching, atropine drops, or vision therapy to improve vision in the affected eye and promote binocular vision.
• Pediatric Cataracts: Cataracts, or clouding of the eye’s natural lens, can occur in children as well as adults. Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and manage congenital cataracts and may perform surgery to remove the cataract and restore vision, often in collaboration with pediatric anesthesiologists and other specialists.
• Pediatric Glaucoma: Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, can occur in children as well as adults. Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and manage pediatric glaucoma using a combination of medical therapy, laser treatment, and surgery to lower intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
• Genetic Eye Disorders: Pediatric ophthalmologists evaluate and manage genetic eye disorders that affect children, such as retinoblastoma, congenital optic nerve anomalies, retinal dystrophies, and syndromic eye conditions. They work closely with geneticists, oncologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for these complex conditions.