Exceptional Pediatric Eye Care – Eye Alignment and More – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas

Children and infants have special eye care needs; their eyes are developing, and professional treatment from an early age is an important part of maintaining a child's ocular health. At Northwest Eye, our team of ophthalmologists is experienced in the eye health issues unique to children. We are dedicated to providing outstanding services, including routine eye exams, emergency treatment, pediatric eye alignment, and other eye care services, for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities. Our team's expertise and warm, welcoming chair side manner also attracts patients from all over the globe. If you are looking into eye care options for your child, we welcome you to contact Northwest Eye to learn more about our caring, compassionate team, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedication to your child's ocular health.

Pediatric Eye Alignment

The alignment of the eyes and related problems are among the most common pediatric eye problems. Northwest Eye provides treatment for eye misalignment as well as lazy eye.

Misaligned Eyes (Strabismus)

A child may be diagnosed with eye misalignment, or strabismus, if his or her eyes appear to be "crossed" (esotropia). An infant may be born with esotropia, or a child may develop the condition if he has excessive nearsightedness in early childhood.

Falsely Misaligned Eyes (Pseudostrabismus)

An infant may appear to have strabismus when, in actuality, its eyes are properly aligned. This condition, known as falsely misaligned eyes or pseudostrabismus, occurs when the infant's nasal bridge or skin between the nose and eye causes the eyes to appear unbalanced.

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

"Lazy eye," or amblyopia, occurs when one eye is used more than the other, and the less-used eye suffers a loss of vision. In children, amblyopia is usually treated with eye drops or eye patches that blur or block vision in the stronger eye, thus exercising the weaker eye.

With proper treatment, most eye misalignment problems can be corrected. Northwest Eye provides exceptional pediatric eye alignment for patients in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. If your child is suffering from one of these eye alignment problems, contact our office nearest you to schedule a consultation.

Cataracts

Although cataracts (the clouding of the eye's lens) usually develop later in life, they may be present at birth or caused by a childhood injury. A child with symptoms of cataracts should receive treatment as early as possible to ensure his normal visual development.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, a condition involving elevated eye pressure, is relatively rare, but possible, in children. If your child is showing the symptoms of glaucoma, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

Watering of the Eyes

When a child's tear ducts do not open properly in the first few months of life, the child may suffer from continued tearing or watering of the eyes. This condition is treatable with massage or, if necessary, surgery.

Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)

Although ptosis - droopy eyelids - does not always require treatment, a child may benefit from treatment if the ptosis may inhibit his or her normal visual development.

Swollen Eyelids (Blepharitis)

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid's oil glands resulting in swelling and tenderness of the eyelid and crusting of the eyelashes. Warm compresses, washing the eyes with baby shampoo, and antibiotics (if necessary) are usually enough to treat the inflammation.

"Pink Eye" (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye" - caused by a bacterial or viral infection or allergy - is characterized by reddening of the white part of the eye, excessive tearing, and discharge. Although conjunctivitis can usually be treated with eye drops or ointment, it is best to contact your child's pediatrician to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch in the cornea (the clear surface of the eye that helps focus light entering the eye onto the retina). Corneal abrasions can be painful, causing tearing and sensitivity to light. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and patching of the eye.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors affect the eye's cornea, the part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is rare in infants and toddlers, but it is more common in school-aged children. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is more common in infants and children. Astigmatism (the result of an irregular corneal shape) may cause blurred vision if the astigmatism is pronounced. If refractive errors cause significant visual disturbances, treatment options include pediatric eyewear or, when the child is of age, contact lenses, LASIK surgery, PRK, or another refractive surgery.

Contact Northwest Eye

Northwest Eye provides outstanding pediatric eye care, with special attention to the unique physical and emotional needs of children. To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, contact Northwest Eye today. We provide advanced pediatric eye care, including pediatric eye alignment, for patients in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, including Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale, Minnesota.