Pediatric Eye Care Demands a Specialist

Posted by fortworth on November 17th, 2014

While they may act like it sometimes, children aren’t miniature adults. Their growing bodies demand specialized attention when things go wrong or even when there’s a need for a routine exam. Just like you take your child to a pediatrician for routine medical care, your child needs a pediatric specialist for eye care, as well.

Pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in children’s eye care. That means they understand the unique conditions that can present in childhood and they also have a keen understanding of how growing bodies can affect these condition. Since there are some major distinctions between an adult and a child, it’s best to select an eye doctor that makes treating kids his or her specialty.

So, what kind of eye problems do pediatric eye doctors treat? Believe it or not, kids can have a number of issues with their eyes that go beyond normal near or farsightedness. Here are just a few of the more common issues pediatric eye doctors treat in children:

            Conjunctivitis – Kids get pink eye a lot and the treatment is critical for preventing spreading, while providing children comfort.

            Corneal abrasions – Emergency care when accidents happens is often required with children.

            Glaucoma – While not terribly common, this condition can present in children.

            Cataracts – This condition is normally associated with adults, but it can present in children. Pediatric eye doctors can help with removal and preservation of eyesight.

Some of the other conditions they treat include:

            Retinoblastoma

            Retinal disease

            Strabismus

            Walleye

Even for routine care and eyeglasses it’s best to take a child to a doctor that specializes in pediatric treatment. A specialist will be best positioned to detect problems and help fit a child with the proper corrective lenses. Since they have selected pediatric care, these doctors know the ins and outs of helping kids get the quality care they need to see clearly.

If it’s time to take your child to an eye doctor, make certain to select a pediatric specialist. General eye doctors might be able to treat the conditions, but they don’t necessarily have the background to understand children and treat the issues that also present with rapidly growing bodies.

About Author

The physicians at Ophthalmology Associates have offered eye care services in Fort Worth, HEB, Weatherford, and Granbury for over 40 years. For more information call us at (817) 332-2020 or Contact Us Online to request an appointment by simply filling out the on-line form.  It's a beautiful world; you deserve to see it well!