Strabismus

Correcting Eye Misalignment for Better Vision

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. Our clinic offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for strabismus to restore proper alignment and improve visual function.

Paediatric Ophthalmology

Specialized Eye Care for Children

Paediatric ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing eye conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Children’s eyes require specialized care due to their unique developmental needs, and early detection of any issues is essential for preventing long-term vision problems. At our clinic, we provide comprehensive eye care tailored specifically to the needs of children, ensuring their vision develops correctly and any issues are addressed early.

Why Paediatric Eye Care is Important

Children may not always realize or express that they have vision problems, making regular eye check-ups critical. Vision problems that go undetected or untreated can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, or even permanent vision loss. Early intervention with the help of a paediatric ophthalmologist can address these issues and support healthy visual development. Conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia), squint (strabismus), and refractive errors (needing glasses) can often be effectively treated if caught early.

Common Paediatric Eye Conditions:

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Amblyopia occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, often due to misalignment or refractive errors. If left untreated, the brain may ignore signals from the weaker eye, leading to permanent vision impairment.
• Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes): This condition occurs when the eyes do not align properly, causing double vision or difficulty focusing. Early treatment can help correct the misalignment through glasses, patching, or surgery.
• Refractive Errors: Children can develop nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, which may require glasses to correct.
• Congenital Cataracts: Cataracts in newborns or infants can block light from entering the eye, hindering vision development. Surgical intervention may be necessary.
• Blocked Tear Ducts: Some infants are born with tear ducts that do not open properly, leading to excessive tearing or infection. This is often treatable with minor procedures.
• Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid): A condition where one or both eyelids droop, which can affect vision and eye development.
• Eye Infections and Injuries: Children are prone to infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and can suffer eye injuries during play, both of which require prompt care.

Symptoms of Uveitis

Uveitis can develop suddenly or gradually, and its symptoms vary depending on the type. Common signs include:

• Eye pain and redness: Often accompanied by sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Blurry or reduced vision: Patients may experience a decrease in visual clarity.
• Floaters: Dark spots or shapes that float across the field of vision.
• Eye irritation or tearing: Increased tearing or discomfort in the affected eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment can prevent further damage to the eye.

Why Uveitis Treatment is Crucial

Without timely intervention, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss or severe complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal damage. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent long-term vision impairment. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific type of uveitis, underlying causes, and overall health.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Uveitis

Accurate diagnosis is critical for successful treatment. Our clinic performs a thorough examination, including:

• Comprehensive Eye Exam: A detailed assessment of your eye health, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and examination of the front and back of the eye using slit-lamp and ophthalmoscopy.
• Blood Tests & Imaging: Depending on the suspected cause of uveitis, we may conduct blood tests or imaging studies such as an optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography to examine the retina.
• Consultation with Specialists: In cases where uveitis is linked to systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, collaboration with rheumatologists or infectious disease specialists may be necessary for comprehensive care.

Uveitis Treatment Options

Treatment for uveitis depends on the underlying cause, the severity of inflammation, and the specific part of the eye affected. Common treatments include:

• Corticosteroids: The most common treatment for uveitis, corticosteroids reduce inflammation and are administered as eye drops, oral medication, or injections around the eye, depending on the location and severity of the inflammation.
• Immunosuppressive Drugs: For cases where corticosteroids are not effective, or when uveitis is caused by autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to control inflammation.
• Antibiotics/Antivirals: If an infection is the underlying cause of uveitis, appropriate antibiotics or antivirals will be prescribed to target the infection.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissue or repair damage caused by uveitis. Procedures may include vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) or cataract surgery if secondary complications develop.

Recovery and Long-Term Care

The recovery process from uveitis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. In most cases, inflammation can be controlled with prompt treatment, but long-term management may be necessary for chronic forms.

• Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients may need to avoid certain triggers, such as smoking, which can worsen inflammation.
• Continued Medication: For chronic cases, long-term use of immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids may be required to prevent flare-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What causes uveitis? Uveitis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, or idiopathic (unknown) causes.
• How is uveitis diagnosed? Uveitis is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, blood tests, and sometimes imaging studies like OCT or angiography.
• Is uveitis curable? While there is no outright cure for uveitis, it can be effectively managed with medication, and vision can be preserved with timely treatment.
• Can uveitis return after treatment? In some cases, uveitis can recur, particularly if it is related to an autoimmune condition. Long-term management and regular check-ups are important.