Paediatric Ophthalmology Unit

Vision is essential for a child's intellectual and emotional development.

A child may present with diseases similar to those of adults or others specific to childhood. Detecting lazy eye (amblyopia), strabismus, and congenital diseases, among others, is one of the goals of this unit.

Monitoring premature babies is also very important, as it allows for the early detection and successful treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.

In pediatric care, our ophthalmologists and specialized optometrists work very closely together. Our clinic features a dedicated children's area located at VERTE 2 (Vía Augusta 48), designed for their comfort and well-being.

Specialists in pediatric ophthalmology: We pay special attention to children's learning problems

The Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit includes a team of pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists who together help to support the visual development and behavior of pediatric patients.

What do we examine and treat?

• Pediatric refraction (under cycloplegic drops): for diagnosis, control, correction, and follow-up of the three refractive disorders: myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• Pupillary reflex disorders
• Lazy eye (technically known as amblyopia)
• Strabismus, either constant or intermittent, presenting as a misalignment of the eyes
• Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: its diagnosis and potential treatment
• Congenital or acquired eyelid diseases: such as ptosis (drooping eyelid), styes/chalazion, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin, often with dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes)
• Congenital cataracts or secondary childhood cataracts (traumatic, inflammatory, or infectious)
• Corneal diseases: keratoconus, lenticonus, progressive irregular astigmatism, astigmatism associated with allergic, vernal, or atopic conjunctivitis
• Eye problems associated with prematurity or a history of high-risk pregnancy (such as maternal hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.)
• Hereditary or congenital retinal diseases: diagnosis and monitoring
• Trauma

10 Ophthalmological Tips for Your Baby's Eye Care:

It is recommended to schedule the first pediatric ophthalmological exam starting at 3 years of age. However, earlier evaluation may be necessary if there are personal or family history factors or if parents or pediatricians suspect any eye conditions.

1. If your family has a history of ophthalmological issues such as strabismus, use of glasses, lazy eye, or especially significantly different prescriptions between the two eyes, the eye exam should take place earlier, around 2 years of age.
2. There are many myths in pediatric ophthalmology that often cause unnecessary concern for parents. We advise you to visit us for professional education in your child’s eye care.
3. Certain diseases developed during pregnancy can affect your baby's visual development, as can prematurity. Thus, an early pediatric ophthalmological evaluation is highly recommended. If your baby was born prematurely, there is a higher likelihood of developing eye problems. You’ll feel more reassured if you visit the ophthalmologist early.
4. If you notice that your baby’s eyes seem misaligned or if your pediatrician suspects it after four months of life, it is advisable to have an evaluation at our pediatric ophthalmology clinic for proper diagnosis or monitoring.
5. Baby tearing is very common in various situations such as irritation, infections, or allergies. However, it could also indicate a nasolacrimal duct obstruction or, more seriously, congenital glaucoma. We recommend a visit to our pediatric ophthalmology service to accurately identify the cause.
6. If your child has red eyes, itching, burning, recurrent styes, or frequent blinking (like facial tics), a cycloplegic refraction exam is advisable, as these symptoms may be linked to refractive errors or a need for glasses.
7. A child who squints one eye or tilts their head to see may have a significant visual problem.
8. If a child with an ocular condition grows older without treatment, it might become too late to cure it and recover lost vision.
9. Sometimes a healthy eye with perfect vision can mask a visual disorder in the other eye.

And remember, parents!

Not all pediatric ocular diseases present visible symptoms. It’s important to have an initial consultation with a pediatric ophthalmologist to ensure your child's vision is developing optimally.