Why a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?
A pediatric ophthalmologist provides care for a wide variety of ocular problems and visual disorders in children. Dr. Elmer is able to give special attention to the diverse ophthalmic needs of children, from infants to adolescents…at a critical time when clear vision plays an important role in mental, physical and social development. He provides comprehensive primary care for the diagnosis and management of infant and child vision and common childhood vision disorders.
A child’s eyes are different from those of adults. The brain cells that control our vision are not fully developed or mature when we are born. These cells are developing throughout the first decade of life. Because of the immaturity of a child’s visual system, disorders that may have little effect on an adult’s ability to see may have a profound and lifelong effect on a child’s vision. Poor vision due to inadequate stimulation of these brain cells can result in amblyopia, which is a common cause of loss of vision in this age group. Other disorders, which may be found in adults as well as children, can have effects that are very different for the pediatric eye. This is the case, for example, when cataracts are found in children.
Pediatric Syndromes and Disorders
- Congenital and traumatic cataracts
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus
- Tearing in infants
- Eye problems associated with juvenile diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders.
- Pediatric and congenital glaucoma
- Eye infections and pinkeye in children
- Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
Services Offered
- Our services range from simple refractions to treatment for complex eye problems.
- Pediatric microsurgery for cataracts and IOL implantation
- Vision assessment in infants and children
- Glasses and contact lens services just for children
- Pediatric eye surgery
- Eye screening for disorders related to systemic disease
At Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare, Dr. Elmer utilizes facilities and equipment specifically designed to meet the unique ophthalmic needs of children. This is what can be expected in the course of a child’s eye exam:
Visual acuity – Checking this is possible even in children who do not speak yet. For older children, picture charts, letter games and letter recognition can be used.
Muscle balance and eye alignment – Using various methods like incorporating light reflexes or alternately covering each eye, we check to make sure there is no movement from the straight ahead position.
Binocular vision – Tests will determine and make sure the brain is ‘using’ the eyes as a unit. Even if they are properly aligned, the brain does not always ‘use’ the eyes together.
Refraction – This test will measure the ‘power’ of the eye and determine if there is nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism present. Drops will be placed in each eye to stimulate the focusing power to allow an accurate measurement.
Fundus examination – Using a special light, Dr. Elmer will look in to the back of a child’s eye. Because this is an area where blood vessels and portions of the brain can be seen, it is very valuable in helping to diagnose many disorders that can affect the entire body.
Once the examination is complete, glasses may be prescribed. Our convenient optical center has a wide selection of frames for children, including the very young child. Treatment or surgery for other problems may also be addressed at the end of the exam. Blurriness associated with the dilating drops will fade in a matter of hours