Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus

The Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus section at Emory Eye Center trains residents and fellows to provide diagnostic and management services for the full spectrum of pediatric ophthalmic disease, ages 0 – 17 years. In addition, this service sees adult patients with strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). Our clinicians work in close collaboration with the Emory Eye Center's Clinical Trials Program and with multiple ophthalmic specialists.
Clinical training in multiple conditions
Residents and fellows in this section can anticipate addressing the full spectrum of pediatric eye conditions and strabismus issues:
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Strabismus and amblyopia in children: Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) can lead to sensory changes in the developing eyes and brain of children. Amblyopia is a condition of decreased vision due to poorly focused image in one or both eyes. Timely recognition and treatment can prevent long term vision impairment from this condition.
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Strabismus in adults: Strabismus in this population has several causes and often, patients suffer from double vision and other forms of functional impairment. Treatment can be in the form of refractive correction, glasses with prisms, or eye muscle surgery. In addition to vision benefits, strabismus correction can have positive psychosocial effects.
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Cornea / anterior segment disease and cataracts: We manage a wide spectrum of anterior segment (front part of the eye) conditions--from congenital problems like a cloudy cornea (corneal opacity) or lens (cataract) to acquired problems, whether developmental or resulting from trauma. Some of these conditions can be managed medically while others require surgery.
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Neuro-Ophthalmology: Approximately half of the brain is involved in vision. We evaluate and help manage neurological diseases affecting the visual pathways in children. Evaluation with a pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist can help determine if risk or damage to the visual pathways exists, and how to manage these risks and maximize visual potential. Our pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist works closely with multiple other subspecialties within the Eye Center and Children's healthcare of Atlanta.
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Glaucoma: Childhood glaucoma is a rare condition caused by elevated intraocular pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can cause irreversible vision loss in children. Diagnosing and managing glaucoma requires specially trained physicians and a child-centered team that provides a safe environment for patients and their families. Our goals are early detection to prevent vision loss and prompt management with various methods, including drops, glasses, patching and/or surgery.
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Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Emory pediatric ophthalmology faculty provide retinopathy of prematurity services at three Atlanta neonatal intensive care units. Services include both screening and treatment with the most up to date treatment modalities including intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and pan retinal photocoagulation.
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Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI): Brain-based visual impairment (cerebral/cortical visual impairment/CVI) is one of the leading causes of pediatric visual impairment in the United States. At Emory, we care for many children with CVI, and we are actively engaged in the Pediatric CVI Society to advance our understanding of CVI and offer our patients the most current information and treatment.
- Oculoplastics (eyelid and orbit): The eyelid and orbit (bony socket where the eye sits) are intricately connected with children’s developing vision. Emory Eye Center specialists offer medical and surgical treatment for common problems like ptosis (droopy eyelid) and nasolacrmial duct obstruction (cause of tearing) as well as more complex problems like tumors in the orbit or craniofacial reconstruction as it relates to the eyelid and face.
- Retina: Specialists from the Emory Eye Center Retina service work with treat a variety of problems including retinopathy of prematurity, developmental disorders of the retinal blood vessels, uveitis, retinal dystrophy, and retinoblastoma. They actively coordinate care with oncology colleagues at Arthur M. Blank Hospital.