Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus in Oklahoma City

You want to know your child receives the best care possible when you have concerns about their eyes. If you turn to the experts at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), you can rest assured your child will be in the most capable hands. Our pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in comprehensive medical and surgical care for all pediatric eye diseases. As an added plus, they practice in one of the nation’s top eye institutes where they always have access to the latest technology and treatment methods.

What Is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical and surgical eye doctor who has graduated from medical school after four years of school. Then they attend an internship and residency training in ophthalmology for an additional four years. Lastly, they receive fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology for an additional year or two.

They have a thorough understanding of visual development in children, the expertise to examine vision in children (even infants and toddlers), and an extensive knowledge of the disorders and diseases that affect children’s eyes. They can provide the full range of eye care for children, from prescribing eyeglasses or contacts to performing intricate eye surgery.

Strabismus is one of the most common conditions treated by pediatric ophthalmologists. This condition involves a misalignment of the eyes. Their expertise in treating strabismus in children leads some pediatric ophthalmologists to handle adult strabismus as well.

When Should My Child See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Your pediatrician or family doctor will screen your child’s eyes at birth and at regular well-child visits. If these screenings indicate the need for further testing, your child will be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a comprehensive pediatric eye examination.

Warning signs that should prompt you to schedule an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist can include:

• Frequent eye rubbing (when not tired)
• Persistent eye redness
• Continual eye watering
• Shaking of eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge/crusting in or around the eyes
• Squinting
• Wandering or crossed eyes
• Unusual tilting or turning of the head
• Decreased visual behavior
• Bulging eyes
• A pupil that glows white instead of red in a photograph

If you notice any of these warning signs, please call 405.271.1094 or 800.787.9016 to make an appointment with one of our pediatric ophthalmologists.

Common Pediatric Eye Problems

Our pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat the diseases and disorders that affect your child’s eyes. These problems can range from relatively common conditions such as refractive errors to rare diseases such as pediatric glaucoma. Regardless of the severity of the condition, our pediatric ophthalmologists have the advanced technology and training to provide your child with the best of care. Click here to learn more about common pediatric eye problems.

Our Pediatric Ophthalmology Team

The pediatric ophthalmologists at the Dean McGee Eye Institute have a passion for taking care of children’s eyes, serving children from all 77 Oklahoma counties and the surrounding regions with profound expertise and compassion. We encourage you to learn more about the DMEI difference and take time to get to know our team by browsing our directory of pediatric ophthalmologists and clicking on their profiles.

Pediatric Eye Care Resources

If you’re worried about your child’s eyes, you’ll want as much information as possible to help you make informed decisions. In addition to the information available on our website, we have compiled a set of resources you might find helpful.