Pediatric ophthalmology is a subspecialty in the field of ophthalmology that deals specifically with the eye diseases and other eye problems in children. As the brain matures, the human visual system continues to develop over the course of about ten years. While babies can see, the do not have the capability to process visual messages. As the child continues to develop and change, so does their eye care needs.
Different from Adult Eyes
Because the visual system of a child is so immature, some disorders that will have little effect on the eyesight of an adult can have a profound and lasting effect on the vision of a child. Poor vision that is caused by a lack of adequate stimulation of the brain cells that control vision, which is known as amblyopia, is one of the most common causes for children to lose their vision.
Problems that Occur within this Age Group
There are some disorders that are only seen in pediatric ophthalmology. Other types of disorders, such as certain tumor types may not be found just in children, but can be more serious than when they occur in adults. One such condition that is more severe in children is cataracts.
Understanding Strabismus
A misalignment of the eyes is known as strabismus. This includes exotropia, or out-tuned eyes, and esotropia, more commonly known as crossed eyes, as well as a number of other disorders related to the muscles of the eye. Since strabismus is so often treated in pediatric ophthalmology, many of the same doctors will also treat the condition in adults.
What is the Difference between a Pediatric Ophthalmologist and a Pediatric Optometrist?
A medical doctor that first goes through training in eye surgery and disease following medical school is a pediatric ophthalmologist. These doctors then decide to pursue further training in surgery, treatment and diagnosis of eye disorders unique in children.
On the other hand, a pediatric optometrist is a specialist that focuses specifically on the basic eye care needs of children. They perform regular eye exams, treat amblyopia, fit children with contact lenses and examine children who do not pass vison screenings provided by the school. In most cases, the pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatric optometrists is a facility will work closely together as a team.
Most working in the field of pediatric ophthalmology in Grand Rapids will recommend that every child have a vision examination by the time they reach the age of four.
