Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnose and Treat Vision Disorders in Children
From the moment your baby’s eyes first open, vision becomes one of the most powerful tools he or she has to learn about the world. The pediatric ophthalmology program at Loyola Medicine is dedicated to diagnosing and treating vision disorders and problems in infants, children and adolescents.
We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together the expertise of pediatric ophthalmologists, pediatric eye surgeons, optometrists, certified orthoptists and certified ophthalmic assistants.
Our board-certified pediatric ophthalmologists and licensed optometrists use the most current, state-of-the-art equipment and methods to diagnose and treat your child’s vision and eye problems, including:
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Low-light blindness
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Nearsightedness
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Pediatric cataracts
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Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
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Refraction
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Retina disorders
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Stevens-Johnson syndrome
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Styes (chalazion)
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Superior oblique palsy
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Trauma to the eye
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Uveitis
Why Choose Loyola for Pediatric Ophthalmology?
The pediatric ophthalmology team at Loyola is known nationally and internationally for state-of-the-art diagnostic services and personalized treatment for children. Our specialists are experienced with testing the vision of infants. We understand the needs of our younger patients and offer children and adolescents extra help during exams and treatments.
Loyola’s clinicians welcome families to be involved in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and recovery; they are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have. We will carefully explain your child’s eye problem and every treatment option we recommend.
At Loyola, we understand the importance of continuity of care and will provide seamless communication with your child’s pediatrician through our secure medical information portal, LoyolaConnect. You can also access results from your child’s lab tests and evaluations through myLoyola.
How are Pediatric Eye Conditions Diagnosed?
Children with eye or vision problems may experience pain, blurry vision, hazy vision or sensitivity to light and may exhibit redness, itchiness or discharge. The goal of Loyola’s pediatric ophthalmology specialists is to provide a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan for your child as soon as possible.
Routine eye exams with an experienced doctor are important for children prior to starting school. Most vision problems in children are detected during one of these exams.
Loyola offers vision testing and visual field testing along with more advanced diagnostics, including:
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Corneal topography
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Nerve fiber layer analysis
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Ophthalmoscopy (funduscopy)
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Retinal photography
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Ultrasonography
Exceptional Ophthalmologic Care for Children
Loyola’s pediatric strabismus service has helped hundreds of children with eye misalignment, including wandering eye, lazy eye or crossed eyes.
In an outpatient setting, your child’s ophthalmologist can move the muscles of the eye to realign the eye’s position. Our specialized surgeons work with certified orthoptists to provide the most precise and appropriate care for each child.
How are Pediatric Eye Conditions Treated?
Loyola’s pediatric ophthalmologists treat a range of conditions, from the common to the complex. More routine treatments, such as prescription glasses and contacts (for older children), can be handled on an outpatient basis. Antibiotics can treat some inflammations and infection disorders, like conjunctivitis.
If surgery is recommended by your child’s doctor, your child will be treated by the best in the field with the most advanced technology and treatment options available, which may include:
