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CHILDHOOD EYE CARE
Both Dr.’s John and Patrick Costello spent a significant portion of their training exclusively treating pediatric eye disease and performing pediatric eye surgery. Both of them treat strabismus, ‘lazy eye’, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, pediatric glaucoma, and disorders of refraction. Both of them are very comfortable examining children and try very hard to make the child’s experience a pleasant one when they need to be evaluated.
Your young child might not be able to tell you if her or she has an eye problem, but parents are usually the first to recognize the signs of eye disease in their children. Many childhood eye disorders can lead to permanent blindness, but can be treated successfully if recognized early.
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms of eye disease, notify your pediatrician or schedule a visit as soon as possible:
Urgent: A white pupil. A lump, swelling or drooping of the eyelid. A large cornea in one or both eyes.
Requires attention very soon: Tearing, discharge, redness. Eye turns inward or outward. ‘Dancing Eyes’ or ‘Jiggling Eyes’. Very low birth weight or prematurity. A tilted head. A pupil defect. Unequal pupils.
If you are planning to take your child to the eye doctor, here are some helpful tips.
- Ask your relatives, friends and neighbors if they know the name of an eye doctor who is good with children.
- Schedule the appointment when your child is not likely to be sleepy or hungry. If your child has a "cranky" time of day, schedule around it.
- Make a list of your questions and bring it with you. Take notes when speaking to the doctor, so that you can refer to them later.
- Have a plan ready in case you need to spend time in the waiting room. Bring a favorite storybook, coloring book or small toy that your child can play with quietly. A snack can also help to pass the time.
- Let your child watch a family member get an eye exam. Have the doctor explain what is being done, step by step, and encourage the child to ask questions.
- Bring your child's favorite cuddly toy. The doctor can "examine" the bear or doll and holding a toy may keep little hands off of expensive equipment.
- Relax. Children look to adults for cues: if you seem nervous, your child may become anxious. A trip to the eye doctor should be fun for both of you.