
What do you need to know?
Pediatric ophthalmology examinations are for all patients aged 0 to 18 years. State-of-the-art ophthalmological equipment makes it possible to examine babies and children safely and is appropriate for their age and level of cooperation.
How often should a child see an ophthalmologist?
Specialists recommend an ophthalmological control every 6 months until the child is 2 years old. It is mandatory for a child to see an ophthalmologist at least once until the age of 3. Thereafter, routine ophthalmological examinations are recommended once a year.
Is the equipment used invasive for children?
No. In Dr. Holhoș clinics, the ophthalmological examination for children is performed from 1 meter away, with Plusoptix technology; specially developed equipment for non-invasive ophthalmological screening. The examination provides precise information about your child’s possible refractive errors, and you will know from the age of infancy whether the little patient will need glasses in the future.
What are the most common eye disorders in children?
- Hypermetropia is among the most common vision problems in children. It is often genetic and manifests itself in difficulty in seeing near objects clearly. Untreated hypermetropia can lead to amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye”.
- Amblyopia is another common ophthalmological disorder in children. It starts early, against a pathological background of strabismus or refractive errors, and can affect one or both eyes. It is manifested by reduced visual acuity in the affected eye. In Dr Holhoș clinics, amblyopia is treated with the Vision Therapy System (VTS), the first computerized optometry device to offer very good results in the recovery of children’s vision, even 100% in those under 7 years of age. Vision therapy with the Vision Therapy System (VTS) is fun and very well tolerated by children.
- Myopia in children manifests as blurred distance vision and often has a genetic background. The disease can progress gradually or rapidly, and early correction is recommended.
Other ophthalmological disorders present in children are cases of combined refractive errors (hypermetropia with astigmatism or myopia with astigmatism) and strabismus.
To prevent and treat vision problems in children, Dr. Holhoș team comes with top specialists and a long experience in the evaluation and screening of young children.
What disorders can be detected at a pediatric ophthalmological control?
During the pediatric ophthalmological examination, various disorders can be identified which, in the absence or delay of treatment, can lead to long-term vision loss. These disorders include:
- Refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism.
- Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye”.
- Strabismus, which involves the eyes deviating from their normal position and affects binocular vision.
- Congenital cataract, which is clouding of the eye at birth or in the first months of life.
- Congenital glaucoma, a disorder characterized by increased intraocular pressure in children.
- Retinal disorders, such as retinopathy of prematurity or retinal dystrophy, which can affect the structure and function of the retina.
- Infections and inflammations of the eye, including conjunctivitis and uveitis, which can affect vision and eye health.
- Eyelid abnormalities, such as drooping eyelids (palpebral ptosis) or ectropion, which can affect the functionality of the eyes and cause discomfort.
It is essential to perform a proper ophthalmological assessment for children in order to properly detect and treat these disorders and prevent negative consequences on their long-term vision.
What should adults be aware of to detect possible vision problems in children?
There are some signs that parents, kindergarten teachers and school teachers should pay attention to. It is recommended that children have a pediatric ophthalmological examination in the following situations:
- The child has headaches;
- They cover one eye or tilt their head to focus on objects around them;
- Frowns or squints when doing close-up activities;
- The quality of vision is declining;
- Brings things very close to the eye or sits far too close to screens;
- Has difficulty concentrating;
- Has itchy eyes;
- Tears excessively;
- Is cross-eyed;
- Blinks more frequently in an attempt to adjust vision;
- Is sensitive to light.
We suggest you carry out a simple exercise to observe possible signs of a vision problem in your child. Cover one of your child’s eyes with one hand while they are watching TV or drawing. Repeat the same gesture for the other eye. If your child shows discomfort or has difficulty covering one eye, this may indicate a possible vision problem. If this is the case, it is recommended that a specialist ophthalmologist for children is consulted to assess and treat the disorder accordingly.
What is the price of a pediatric ophthalmological examination?
The price of a pediatric ophthalmological examination with Plusoptix technology is lei 200. The price of a pediatric ophthalmological examination (simple) is lei 150.
Any ophthalmological examination for children requires an appointment in advance. This can be done by phone or online – on the website. The accompanying adult must have the child’s birth certificate with him/her for the preparation of the patient’s record, which is a medical-legal document.