S3 Ep38: 38. Ophthalmology in Pediatrics - A "Global" Phenomenon
Nov 10, 2021
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Dr. Roni Levin, a pediatric ophthalmologist, discusses pediatric eye exams, red reflex importance, common eye issues, advocacy work, and health disparities in pediatric ophthalmology. Topics include early detection of eye abnormalities, treatment of strabismus and amblyopia, debunking blue light eye myth, red flags in pediatric ophthalmology, and future advancements in the field.
Early detection of pediatric eye issues through red reflex screenings is crucial for preventing vision problems.
Building rapport, using distractions, and adapting exams help overcome challenges in conducting thorough pediatric eye exams.
Health disparities in pediatric ophthalmology impact marginalized communities; initiatives like free screenings aim to address inequities and ensure equitable eye care.
Deep dives
Importance of Early Detection in Pediatric Eye Care
Detecting pediatric eye issues early is crucial to prevent vision problems. Noticing abnormalities like leukocoria or an asymmetric red reflex can signal serious conditions such as retinoblastoma or refractive errors. Early intervention through routine red reflex screenings and visual acuity checks can lead to better outcomes.
Challenges and Strategies in Performing Pediatric Eye Exams
Conducting thorough pediatric eye exams can be challenging due to patient cooperation. Building rapport, using distractions like toys or songs, and adapting the exam to prioritize vital information help in completing exams successfully. Strategies such as multiple visits, using dilating drops, and providing education on eye care contribute to a comprehensive evaluation.
Addressing Health Disparities in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Health disparities exist in pediatric ophthalmology, especially affecting marginalized communities. Lack of access to vision care and delayed treatment can impact academic performance and overall health. Initiatives like free vision screenings, glasses distribution programs, and advocacy efforts aim to address disparities and ensure equitable eye care for all children.
Understanding Strabismus Deviations
Cometent deviations in strabismus involve the same eye misalignment in various directions of gaze, indicating a consistent misalignment. In contrast, incommotant deviations suggest a varying misalignment in different gaze directions, pointing towards potential neurological issues like nerve palsies or muscle enlargement. The crucial examination tool for assessing strabismus is the cover testing and corneal light reflex evaluation, which helps determine the nature of the misalignment and guide further treatment.
Addressing Amblyopia in Children with Strabismus
Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, results from the brain favoring one eye over the other due to long-standing strabismus. Early diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia are vital to prevent vision loss. Treatments include patching or using drops to improve weaker eye utilization, prescribing glasses to correct focus issues, and in some cases, undergoing eye muscle surgery to enhance eye alignment for improved binocular vision and depth perception.
Is the pediatric eye exam a bit fuzzy to you? Are you having trouble seeing what to learn? Join us as we talk through all things “kids eyes” with pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Roni Levin! She teaches us what we are actually looking at when we see the red reflex, the 4 aspects that should be a part of every eye exam, and what ophtho findings should worry us. Dr. Levin also discusses her advocacy work and some of the health inequities in pediatric ophthalmology. Tune in and we promise: you will begin to see these concepts clearly.
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