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Can children outgrow crossed or misaligned eyes?
It is unusual for a toddler to grow out of crossing. Such a child should have a complete eye examination, including pupillary dilation to determine the cause and treatment. This exam should be performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or a comprehensive ophthalmologist. Read More -
When should my child start getting regular eye exams?
All children should undergo an evaluation to detect eye and vision abnormalities during the first few months of life, at 6 months to 1 year, at 3 to 4 years, and at 5 years (approximately). Abnormalities present at birth, such as opacities of the ocular media (e.g., congenital cataract) or ptosis,...Read More -
What is the legal definition of low vision or visual impairment?
Low vision and visual impairments are legally stipulated. The definitions may vary from state to state. Typically, visual acuity of 20/200 or less or visual field less than 20 degrees are required.
There are many definitions of partial impairment that may affect central acuity (the eye chart) or...Read More -
What's the difference between pink eye and conjunctivitis?
There is substantial overlap between pink eye and conjunctivitis. Pink eye is an infectious form of conjunctivitis, most often caused by viruses but also caused in some cases by bacteria. The most important form of non-infectious conjunctivitis is allergic, usually recognizable by mild redness, s...Read More -
Is it serious for a young child to see spots in her vision?
Spots in a young child's vision are occasionally reported. They can range from seeing dust in a beam of light to more serious ocular conditions. You should ask about any problem with vision for usual activities. In general, these symptoms should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to exclude any serious...Read More -
How is a blocked tear duct treated?
The ophthalmological community approaches this problem in a number of ways. In some cases, particularly with frequent infections, parents do have a probing (a surgical procedure) done at six to 12 months. Others decide to wait because there is about a 75% chance of spontaneous resolution...Read More -
How often do children need eye exams and replacement glasses?
Glasses need to be replaced if they are poorly fitting or markedly scratched, not really on the basis of the calendar. Similarly, older children and teenagers who wear glasses do not necessarily need examinations linked to the calendar.
Periodic examinations for a change in the prescription are required
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What does a contact lens do for an amblyopic eye?
A contact lens is often used in the amblyopic eye of a patient when that eye has a large refractive error and the fellow eye has minimal refractive error. In theory, such a patient may be better treated with a contact lens, but that remains to be proven.
Some physicians feel that correcting the eye
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Can a teen's eyes be too small for contact lenses?
Many teenagers are squeamish about placing a contact lens in their eye and squeeze their eyes closed. Most will get past this step with practice and patience. If there is a continuing problem the ophthalmologist could choose to fit a small lens. However, smaller lens are rigid and probably not as
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What causes my baby to wake up with crusted eyelids?
When a baby awakens with crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes, there are a few possible causes. Assuming there is no tearing during the day, there might be narrowing of the tear drainage system. This is a very common problem among infants and toddlers. Most resolve during the first two years of
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What can be done if my child's eye is turning outward?
Outward turning of the eyes is known as exotropia. In a school-aged child, If the deviation is causing symptoms such as double vision, covering or squinting an eye, or appearance of disinterest, a careful refraction for nearsightedness needs to be performed. Assuming this is normal we typically offer...Read More -
Is there a cure for children's blindness caused by ROP?
ROP remains a devastating disease for affected children and their families. For some children laser can reduce the chance of permanent visual loss. At present for children who are older we do not have methods of correcting the scarring that happens in many of the cases of serious ROP. Read More -
What is the maximum age for children to get amblyopia therapy?
For a long time it was thought that amblyopia therapy must be completed before age 7 years. However, more recent research, especially in children at age 9 years who have never been treated previously, shows that they do respond to conventional treatment with eye patches or dilating eye drops placed...Read More -
Is it safe to wear contact lenses if I have Toxoplasmosis in one eye?
There is a small risk of damage to the good eye - the eye that did not experience Toxoplasmosis - from a contact lens. The more important thing is that the use of contact lenses removes the protection for the good eye that glasses provide. For that reason patients are typically counseled...Read More -
When should my child have surgery for blocked tear ducts?
The timing of surgical treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction is variable. Some surgeons elect to do the procedure between 6 and 12 months of age, whereas many others will wait until one year of age. Earlier surgery has the advantage of fewer months of symptoms, whereas waiting for delayed surgery
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