Pediatric Ophthalmology

What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Pediatric Ophthalmology is a medical sub-specialty dealing with children's vision, visual development, and eye diseases. A Pediatric Ophthalmologist specializes in treating and managing eye conditions in children.

The Importance of Eye Care in Children

Children can develop several types of vision problems that affect their growth, cognition, learning and development. Unlike adults, children may not realize they have vision problems, which may cause irreparable damage in certain conditions. Therefore, children must undergo regular eye check-ups with a pediatric ophthalmologist to catch and treat issues early.

Early detection leads to timely treatment and a better chance of normal development for the child.

What Kind of Vision/Eye Problems Can Children Develop?

Children can develop eye or vision problems due to several causes, including genetic /congenital disorders, diseases, neurological issues, family history, infections, allergies, or vitamin deficiencies.

Children with medical conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, metabolic disorders, and some genetic diseases such as neurofibromatosis can develop eye problems, and children with a family history of eye conditions can have Strabismus, Amblyopia and refractive errors.

What Are the Signs of Vision/Eye Problems in Children?

Not all symptoms are apparent when children suffer from vision/eye problems. For example, refractive errors causing myopia (inability to see things at a distance) or heteromyopia (inability to see things close) may go undetected if the child does not complain in the initial stages. However, other conditions such as Amblyopia (lazy eye), Strabismus (crossed eyes), Ptosis (drooping eyelid), eye infections, congenital eye conditions and eye diseases are more obvious.

Generally, the following signs and symptoms show a child may have a vision problem:

• Extreme light sensitivity.
• Persistent eye rubbing.
• Chronic tearing of the eyes.
• Frequent headaches.
• Squeezing eyes or covering one eye to see more clearly.
• Difficulty reading or holding books close to the face to read words or see pictures.
• Limited or no participation in visual games.
• Brief attention span/poor focus.
• Double vision.
• Poor visual tracking (following an object)
• Persistent redness of the eyes.
• One or both pupils with an unusual or white appearance
• Abnormal alignment or movement of eyes.
• Eye pain.
• Changes in eye shape or size.
• Abnormal appearance of the pupil.

Additionally, children with a family or medical history of the following conditions should be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist regularly:

• Usher syndrome (a genetic disease that can cause blindness).
• Juvenile Alport syndrome (a rare, inherited condition affecting the kidneys that can cause problems with a child's hearing and vision).
• Pre or postnatal infections.
• Down syndrome.
• Rubella (a contagious viral infection).
• Marshall syndrome (an inherited condition leading to eye abnormalities).
• Juvenile arthritis.

Pediatric Ophthalmology Services at American Hospital Dubai

Our Board-certified pediatric ophthalmologists are highly experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing children's eye conditions. They develop a personalized treatment plan for your child that may include one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Topical ointments to treat eye infections.
• Therapies for relieving inflammation.
• Prescribe medicines (antivirals, antibiotics, and steroids) and determine doses.
• Prescribing glasses.
• Eye muscle surgery.
• Pediatric cataract extraction.
• Surgical probing and irrigation – to open the valves between the tear duct and the nose.

In addition, American Hospital Dubai's pediatric ophthalmologists also treat school referrals and undertake complicated surgical cases.

Why Choose American Hospital Dubai for Your Child's Eye Health?

American Hospital Dubai's Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology offers comprehensive eye care for children from infancy to adolescence.

Our Pediatric Ophthalmologists are highly trained professionals who specialize in treating eye conditions in children from infancy to teenage years. With their in-depth understanding of children's eye anatomy and physiology and unique visual needs, they deliver the most effective and evidence-based treatment and care using the following best practices:

• Precision Diagnosis: Diagnosing eye or vision problems correctly in children is crucial. Our precision diagnosis ensures your child gets the correct treatment and enjoys optimal visual health.
• Comprehensive and Child-focused Treatment: Our experienced and compassionate specialists offer safe, effective, individualized treatments for your child.
• Multidisciplinary and Coordinated Care: American Hospital Dubai's multidisciplinary philosophy means our pediatric ophthalmologists work closely with other subspecialties to provide your child with the most effective and integrated treatment and vision solutions.
• Best-in-class Pediatric Ophthalmologists: Our Pediatric Ophthalmologists, among the best in Dubai, understand the importance of clear communication with parents and children. They educate you about the diagnosis, treatment, and results so you can make the right decision about your child's eye health.
• Family Support: We know how concerned you are about your child's health and guide and support you every step of your child's treatment journey, ensuring we work as a team.

Give Your Child the Best Eye Health with Our Focused Treatments

Eye problems in children can inhibit them from reaching their full potential. American Hospital Dubai's Pediatric Ophthalmologists use their expertise and care to ensure nothing prevents your child from reaching their goal.