Pediatric Eye Service

Overview

Pediatric eye disease differs from eye disease in adults and therefore requires a specialized approach. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute, experienced pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists (caregivers specialized in children and eye movement disorders), optometrists, nurses and technicians work together to provide the highest possible standard of Patients First care for children affected by eye disease.

Children of all ages, including newborns and infants, can be treated for eye concerns at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute.

What We Treat

Pediatric eye diseases treated include:

• Abnormal head position: This may occur when children try to compensate for an eye condition such as refractive error, strabismus, and nystagmus.
• Albinism: A group of genetic disorders characterized by lack of melanin (the pigment that underlies color in the skin, hair and eyes). As melanin is required for normal retinal and optic nerve development, albinism is often associated with developmental eye disease.
• Amblyopia (or lazy eye): This is an abnormality of the brain-eye connection and has many potential causes. It is often treatable in early childhood but not later in life.
• Cataract: This is cloudiness of the eye’s lens causing decreased vision.
• Congenital malformations: A variety of congenital structural abnormalities of the eye can occur.
• Glaucoma: This develops when there is an increase in eye pressure. The high-pressure damages ocular structures in young children, particularly the optic nerve, and if untreated leads to permanent visual loss.
• Nystagmus: This is involuntary movement/shaking of the eyes and can be from a variety of causes.
• Pediatric myopia: Also known as near-sightedness, this can develop in preschool and school-aged children and often progresses. Myopia, particularly when high, confers a risk for later blinding ocular complications. Our Pediatric Myopia Clinic prescribes medical and optical means to minimize myopia progression.
• Ptosis: Also called lid droop, this refers to an abnormally low eyelid position.
• Refractive error: This refers to the need for glasses, which is a common reason for vision to be reduced in children. Common forms include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
• Red Eye: In children this can be caused by many different factors, including allergy or infection.
• Retinal dystrophy: This refers to a group of genetic eye diseases that affect the retina (the tissue that lines the back of the eye). Retinal dystrophy is often inherited and progressive.
• Strabismus: This is the term for eye turn or misaligned eyes. Strabismus can occur for many reasons, including a need for glasses or underlying eye or neurological disease.
• Tearing/discharge: This refers to excessive water/mucous coming from the eyes. It may be caused by a blocked tear duct or infection.