What do you need to know?
Identifying ophthalmological problems in children is the first step towards solving them. The earlier they are identified, the better they can be treated and followed up, so that your child does not have vision problems later. Dr Holhoș team has a long experience in assessing and screening preschool children, and finding the best solutions for the treatment of various disorder. We recommend that the first pediatric ophthalmological examination to be performed between 6 months and 3 years, and the next one at 5-6 years (before school starts). Surgical interventions to correct refractive errors are generally recommended for adults, but for children glasses are recommended until the diopter is stabilized.
What is Plusoptix technology in pediatric ophthalmology?
Plusoptix is the most advanced vision screening technology for children, developed by the German company with the same name. Plusoptix is a binocular autorefractometer, which allows early detection of refractive errors in children from the age of 6 months.
Early detection of possible refractive errors prevents their development and also prevents the onset of amblyopia (lazy eye).
Advantages of Plusoptix examination in pediatric ophthalmology:
- It is non-contact and non-invasive, the child only has to look towards the device
- It is a complex ophthalmological examination: visual acuity test + measurement of ocular refraction
- Does not require drops for pupil dilation
- Does not require child anesthesia
- Very short duration (a few milliseconds)
- Allows simultaneous examination of both eyes from a distance of approximately 1 m
- Provides accurate values for diopters, corneal reflex, pupil diameter, vitreous disorders
What does a full pediatric ophthalmology examination involve?
The full examination includes a specialist ophthalmology examination after the initial Plusoptix screening, if this has identified problems that require further investigation. The examination is carried out by the specialist doctor in the presence or with the help of the parent, if the child is young or uncooperative. The examination is carried out with pupil dilation drops for an accurate diagnosis of possible disorders.
VTS screening for amblyopia ("lazy eye") correction
Vision Therapy System (VTS), is the most advanced computerized optometry device dedicated to the recovery of vision in children with amblyopia. Exercises are in the form of video games, just to be fun for the little ones. The VTS technology basically “forces” the affected eye to do certain exercises to recover vision. The results are very good, with up to 100% results in children with ages between 3 to 7 years. After this age, the effectiveness of this treatment decreases, so it is essential that amblyopia is detected as early as possible and treatment started as soon as possible. Several sessions are needed, with a duration of 10-20 minutes each, depending on the disorder and the child’s condition. It should be noted that amblyopia is an inoperable disorder which, left untreated, can lead to permanent, long-term damage to vision.