Eye surgery can be frightening for children and parents alike, but you and your child are in good hands at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. The team of experienced pediatric ophthalmologists knows how to help children feel comfortable and relaxed while treating eye conditions like strabismus, ptosis, tear duct obstruction, and styes. To learn more about eye surgery for your child, call or click today.
The staff at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists takes a conservative approach to treatment and doesn’t perform surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. In many cases, your child’s doctor first tries a non-surgical treatment. If the problem doesn’t improve, they may recommend surgery as a next step.
Examples of non-surgical treatments for common pediatric eye problems include:
This condition often improves with glasses and eye exercises. If your child also has amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” wearing a patch over the stronger eye can help improve the weaker eye.
If your child has a bump on or near their eyelid, and it becomes infected, your child’s doctor prescribes topical and then oral antibiotics.
Many tear duct obstructions clear up with at-home treatment, including gently massaging the area. Your child’s doctor can show you how to do this and prescribes antibiotics if your child has an infection.
In urgent, serious cases, and for certain conditions, such as ptosis (drooping eyelid), surgery is usually the best treatment approach. Your child’s doctor goes over all treatment options with you.
The pediatric ophthalmologists at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists have the necessary experience to perform eye surgery on children and know how to help young patients relax and cooperate. During the surgery, your child is fully asleep and doesn’t feel pain or other sensations. Your child may also receive medication to calm them before the surgery.
The team performs procedures on an outpatient basis, so your child can go home the same day. Surgeries for most common pediatric eye conditions are brief and simple. Average procedure times include:
Your child’s doctor discusses the specifics of each procedure with you.
Like anyone, your child is likely to experience some discomfort after undergoing surgery, including pain, itchiness, and blurry vision, which go away within a few weeks. Your child may need to wear an eyepatch or use medication such as ointments or eye drops. Your child’s doctor gives you instructions on at-home care, including managing your child’s symptoms.
Your child may need follow-up care to get the full benefits of surgery. For example, after surgery to correct a lazy eye or strabismus, many children continue vision therapy to strengthen and retrain their eyes.
To learn more about eye surgery for your child, call ABC Children’s Eye Specialists or use the online booking tool.
