Children’s vision needs are unique. Childhood is when the eyes grow and develop, and many limitations and diseases can be identified and treated early.
Often, parents or teachers are the first to notice vision problems. Recognizing preferred head postures can sometimes offer clues. A pediatric eye doctor can help to find a solution whether the problem involves infection, strabismus, amblyopia, or a range of other challenges that can affect children’s eyes.
Pediatric Ophthalmologists specialize in treating children’s eye problems. Trained to diagnose, treat, and manage all children’s eye problems, they are skilled at recognizing subtle signs of eye abnormalities and planning the correct course of action. That’s why it is best to visit a specialized provider of pediatric ophthalmology when you notice your child exhibiting any of the following warning signs of eye problems:
We take great care with children, and while all of our doctors are trained to recognize and treat pediatric ophthalmology issues, our expert physician, Dr. Scott A. Davis, specializes in helping children see better. His excellent rapport with children makes diagnostics and treatment a pleasant experience.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus share that infants have their first eye screening as newborns, followed by routine screenings during well-child visits. A formal vision screening is recommended between ages three and five to detect amblyopia or its risk factors. Children with symptoms, a family history of eye disease, or known risk factors should be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist sooner.
Amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye, is a condition in which one or both eyes develop reduced vision because the visual pathway between the eye and the brain does not develop properly during childhood. It is the leading cause of vision loss in children. Amblyopia can be caused by strabismus (eye misalignment), significant differences in prescription between the two eyes, or conditions that block vision in one eye such as a congenital cataract.
Treatment for amblyopia typically involves correcting any underlying refractive error with glasses and then forcing the brain to use the weaker eye. This is most commonly done through patching the stronger eye for a prescribed number of hours each day, or by using atropine eye drops to blur vision in the stronger eye. Treatment is most effective when started early, as the visual system has the greatest ability to develop before approximately age seven, though some improvement is possible in older children.
Warning signs include frequent squinting, closing or covering one eye, tilting or turning the head to see, sitting very close to screens or holding books close, frequent eye rubbing, persistent watery eyes or redness, eyes that appear crossed or misaligned, a white or cloudy appearance in the pupil, and poor school performance. Parents who notice any of these signs should schedule an evaluation with a pediatric eye doctor.
Some intermittent eye crossing in infants younger than four months can be normal as the visual system develops. However, consistent or persistent eye misalignment beyond this age is not something a child will outgrow and requires evaluation. Untreated strabismus can lead to permanent vision loss through amblyopia, so early assessment by a pediatric ophthalmologist is important.
Pediatric eye exams are tailored to the child’s age and developmental stage. Techniques for assessing vision in infants and preverbal children include observing visual behavior, using special pictures and symbols, and testing how well each eye fixes on and follows an object. Pediatric ophthalmologists are specifically trained to evaluate children who may not yet be able to describe their vision and to recognize subtle signs of eye problems that parents and pediatricians may not detect.
All of our eye doctors are trained to recognize and treat pediatric ophthalmology. However, once significant risk or damage has occurred, our doctors will often refer to one of our partners who is a sub-specialist trained to manage the more severe cases. Our sub-specialty trained doctor is Scott A. Davis, M.D.
Our modern, efficient facilities include four offices in Greenville, Simpsonville, and Easley. Each offers one-stop convenience for examinations, eyewear selection, purchase, and fittings.
