Common Childhood Eye Conditions That A Pediatric Optometrist Calgary Can Handle

Childhood is a phase of life, where rapid development and growth happens. The development of vision is no exception to this rule. Nevertheless, similar to adults, kids can experience a wide range of eye conditions. These conditions apart from affecting their vision can also affect the quality of their lives. Thankfully, a pediatric optometrist Calgary can handle eye conditions in kids. These professionals are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions. They can ensure that kids get the care they require to thrive.

In this post, you can understand about the common eye conditions that affect kids:

Lazy Eye

This condition is medically referred to as Amblyopia. This is a condition, where one eye has weaker vision than the other eye. This happens due to refractive error or misalignment. If this condition remains untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision in the eye that is affected.

A pediatric optometrist can diagnose this condition. He/she will do this through comprehensive eye examinations and will recommend treatments like corrective lenses, vision therapy, and patching. These things will help strengthen the weaker eye and will gradually improve the vision.

Crossed Eyes

The medical term used for denoting crossed eyes is strabismus. It is a condition, where there will be a misalignment of eyes. In this condition, one eye might turn downward, upward, or inward. This condition can cause depth perception, double vision, and even loss of vision if remains untreated.

A pediatric optometrist can evaluate the severity of crossed eyes in kids. He will recommend suitable treatments like vision therapy and/or corrective lenses. In some instances, surgery might be required to realign the eyes so that visual alignment will improve.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors commonly show up as astigmatism, farsightedness, or near-sightedness. These are conditions common in kids. They can lead to blurred vision at different distances.

When you take your kid to a pediatric optometrist, he will carry out a complete evaluation to spot the severity and presence of refractive errors. He will prescribe suitable contact lenses or eyeglasses to improve clarity by correcting the vision.

Pink Eyes

Pink eyes are a condition referred to as conjunctivitis. It is nothing but an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. This condition can occur as a result of irritants, allergens, viruses, or bacteria. The problem with this condition is that it is highly contagious.

A pediatric optometrist can diagnose conjunctivitis and will recommend the right treatment. Your kid might be prescribed, compresses, ointments, and eye drops to reduce symptoms and to prevent the infection from spreading.

Blocked tear ducts are also common in kids. This condition occurs when the tear drainage system in the eyes is obstructed. It leads to excessive irritation, discharge, and tearing. A pediatric optometrist will evaluate to find the underlying cause of blocked tear ducts and will suggest the appropriate remedy.