Our Summary

This research paper is about a survey conducted on pediatric ophthalmologists, doctors who specialize in children’s eye diseases and problems. The survey was sent to members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) to understand what kind of eye conditions they usually deal with and the ages of their patients.

The results showed that majority of the doctors (89%) focus on pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus (a condition where the eyes do not align properly). The other conditions they treat include ptosis (droopy eyelids) and anterior orbital lesions, cataracts, uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye), retinopathy of prematurity (a disease that affects premature babies and can lead to blindness), glaucoma, and retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer). Most of these doctors (59%) treat patients who are less than 21 years old.

The researchers believe that by understanding the wide variety of conditions pediatric ophthalmologists treat, it might encourage more medical students to specialize in this field. As a result, they suggest that training programs for pediatric ophthalmology should include exposure to these areas.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common eye conditions treated by pediatric ophthalmologists according to the survey?
  2. What is the typical age range of patients treated by pediatric ophthalmologists?
  3. Why do the researchers believe that understanding the variety of conditions treated by pediatric ophthalmologists could encourage more medical students into the field?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing ocular surgery to follow their post-operative instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to protect the eyes from injury and to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to the doctor immediately. Following these guidelines can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, retinoblastoma, ptosis, uveitis, and anterior orbital lesions. These conditions can affect individuals of all ages, but pediatric ophthalmologists primarily focus on treating children and adolescents. Ocular surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments or for those who have more severe or complex cases of these eye conditions.

Timeline

  • Before ocular surgery:
  1. Patient visits an eye doctor and undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the need for surgery.
  2. Patient discusses the surgery procedure, risks, benefits, and post-operative care with the ophthalmologist.
  3. Patient may undergo additional tests and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient schedules the surgery date and receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting and medication restrictions.
  • After ocular surgery:
  1. Patient arrives at the surgical center or hospital and undergoes the procedure under anesthesia.
  2. Patient is monitored closely post-surgery for any complications or adverse reactions.
  3. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or redness in the eyes.
  4. Patient receives instructions on post-operative care, including medication use, eye drops, and follow-up appointments.
  5. Patient attends follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities as advised by the doctor and experiences improved vision over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific eye condition do I have and what is the recommended treatment plan?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the success rate for this surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. Will I need to take any medications or follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or potential future surgeries that may be needed?

Reference

Authors: Lueder G, Galli M, Cho JCC, Liegel K. Journal: J Binocul Vis Ocul Motil. 2023 Apr-Jun;73(2):53-54. Epub 2023 Feb 22. PMID: 36811625