By: Dr. Amber Teten, Chesapeake Pediatric Eye Doctor

As a parent, you want the best for your child. This includes ensuring that they have healthy eyes and good vision. Unfortunately, many common eye conditions can affect children, some of which may not be noticeable without a comprehensive eye exam by a pediatric eye doctor. As a pediatric eye doctor, Dr. Teten will educate parents about these common eye conditions she sees in her office so that parents can recognize the signs and seek treatment as needed. Dr. Teten, a pediatric eye doctor, will discuss eight common eye conditions affecting children and what you can do about them.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, commonly referred to as “lazy eye,” is a condition that occurs when one eye has poorer vision than the other, despite having no underlying structural damage. Amblyopia is most often caused by misalignment of the eyes, a difference in refractive error between the two eyes, or an obstruction in the visual pathway. The brain gradually learns to ignore the weaker eye, leading to a decrease in vision, depth perception, and other visual skills. If left untreated, amblyopia can have significant long-term consequences, including permanent vision loss.

At Navigation Eye Care, Dr. Teten treats amblyopia by utilizing an atropine eye drops, which blur the vision of the stronger eye, or vision therapy exercises, which aim to improve eye alignment, focusing, and tracking skills. Vision therapy is a form of treatment for amblyopia and other eye conditions. Vision therapy typically involves a series of exercises and activities designed to improve visual skills, such as eye tracking, focusing, and coordination. Vision therapy is often customized to meet the specific needs of each individual patient. It is supervised by Dr. Teten and her trained vision therapist.

For further discussion from a pediatric eye doctor on the effects of amblyopia and children, check out Dr. Teten’s blog here.

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes are not correctly aligned. As a result, one eye may turn in a different direction than the other, leading to problems with depth perception and vision clarity. This condition can occur at any age but is most common in young children.

The treatment for strabismus can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. In some cases, eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct any refractive errors contributing to the problem. Another option is using prisms or special lenses to help align the eyes. However, vision therapy may be recommended when these more conservative treatments are ineffective. This can help to improve eye coordination and reduce the severity of strabismus. It’s important to note that early detection and treatment of strabismus are crucial for the best possible outcome. Strabismus can lead to permanent vision problems, including amblyopia or lazy eye, if left untreated.

For more information on strabismus and its effects on children, check out Dr. Teten’s blog here.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are a common cause of blurry vision in children. These errors occur when the shape of the eye does not allow light to focus properly on the retina. Common types of refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed to correct these errors.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eye’s white part. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other factors. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, and swollen eyelids. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of conjunctivitis.

For further discussion on what pink eye is and treatment options from Dr. Teten, check out her blog.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Blocked tear ducts are a common problem in infants. Tears cannot drain properly, causing the eyes to water and become infected. In many cases, the problem resolves on its own. However, if the blockage persists, surgery may be necessary.

Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

Ptosis is a condition in which the upper eyelid droops over the eye. This can be caused by weak eye muscles or neurological problems. If the ptosis is severe, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Stye­

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. It is a painful red lump that develops on the edge of the eyelid, caused by an infection of the oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelid. The most common symptoms of a stye are pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. In some cases, a stye may also cause blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light.

Styes are usually treated with a combination of self-care measures and medication. Applying a warm compress to the affected eye several times a day can help reduce the stye’s pain and swelling. It is essential to wash your hands before and after touching the affected eye and to avoid sharing towels or cosmetics with others, as styes are contagious.

Suppose the stye does not improve with self-care measures. In that case, your Dr. Teten may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear up the infection. In more severe cases, Dr. Teten, a pediatric eye doctor, may need to drain the stye to help relieve the pain and promote healing.

To prevent styes from developing in the first place, it is crucial to maintain good eye hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes. With proper treatment and preventive measures, most styes will clear up within a few days to a week and do not cause any long-term complications.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

ROP is a condition that can affect premature babies. The blood vessels in the retina do not develop properly, which can cause vision loss. Treatment may include laser therapy or surgery.

So, if you have a child with one or more of these eye conditions, get their eyes checked by a qualified pediatric eye doctor. Dr. Teten encourages parents to bring their children in for regular eye exams to ensure their eyes are healthy and their vision is developing properly. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can prevent permanent vision loss and improve your child’s quality of life. 

Call the Navigation Eye Care team at 757-529-6889 or schedule an appointment online. We are fully equipped and prepared to care for you and your family. If you are looking for excellent service in a friendly manner, check us out. We highly recommend that you choose Navigation Eye Care when looking for a top pediatric eye doctor in the Chesapeake area. We will serve in Chesapeake for many years to come, and we can’t wait to see you and your family in our office soon.