Paediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology
Paediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmology is a field within the eye care that specifically focuses on issues involving the optic nerve and the brain. Up to some extent, it also deals with issues related to the neural control of the eye muscles. Doctors in this field diagnose and treat visual problems that begin in the eye socket, optic nerve or brain.
Paediatric Neuro-ophthalmic problems could be of a different variety. Some of which are listed below:
- Paralysis of the eye muscles and double vision
- Optic nerve weakness due to the poor oxygen supply to the brain
- Bleeding in the brain that results in the eye or vision-related problems
- Optic nerve problems due to the trauma to the head and face
- Vision loss related to the lesions in the brain
- Delayed milestones/visual milestone
- Behavioural problems in children such as ADHD and Dyslexia
- Unexplained vision loss
- Eye movement disorders
- Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
- Pupil abnormalities
- Vision issues associated with epilepsy or seizures
Symptoms
A child who is affected by any sort of brain-related problems which are listed above could show
- Unexplained vision loss
- Reduced vision
- Unequal pupil size
- Pupils that don’t contract in response to light
- Delayed developmental milestones
- Complain of double vision
- Squinting of the eyes
- Affected eye movements
- Eyelid or facial spasms
Diagnosis and Tests
A thoughtful, thorough evaluation lays the foundation for effective treatment. Using sophisticated diagnostic tools, our specialists work with physicians to identify, treat and manage your child’s condition.
Usually, the paediatrician will be able to identify these problems and refer the child to the paediatric ophthalmologist.
Our paediatric neuro-ophthalmologists invest the time to fully understand your child’s medical history and condition. Using the most current optical and brain imaging techniques, they arrive at a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. As part of a complete eye exam, your child may have several tests, including:
- Electrophysiology tests
- Cerebral angiography
- Blood tests
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Electroretinogram (ERG)
- Visual evoked potential (VEP)
- Blood tests
Treatments
Some of these problems require a multidisciplinary approach which means, it may involve a paediatric neurologist’s opinion and intervention, vision therapy and occupational therapy. Some children may need medical and surgical therapy whereas others will only need medical therapy.
As part of your child’s comprehensive evaluation, our paediatric neuro-ophthalmology team develops a customized treatment plan. We offer a full range of outpatient and inpatient eye care services to improve your child’s vision. Depending on the eye condition, treatments may include:
- Medication
- Visual therapy aids
- Specially fitted eyeglasses (such as prism lenses)
- Minimally invasive surgery or traditional surgery