Pediatric Ophthalmology

The UC Irvine eye clinic for children with special needs:
Poor vision can delay learning under the best of circumstances. But for a child with special needs (Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.) optimizing functional vision is critical for learning, communicating and social interaction. Many of these conditions have, as a hallmark, poor vision that goes undiagnosed and untreated. Often the examination process is stressful for the guardian, the patient and the examiner. Such children may not be able to sit still, concentrate, communicate, etc. When treatment is prescribed, compliance often is an issue.

At the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, we have designated the first eye clinic setting designed for children with special needs.
We do not ask these patients to perform as small adults. The room resembles a comfortable play room. All the instruments are concealed and portable or handheld, and are introduced for only the few seconds they are necessary. All materials are presented table-top with the cooperation of the accompanying guardian. Computer-controlled images are projected onto wall-sized screens.

The concept is that these patients need comfortable surroundings and age and ability appropriate visual stimuli. Then, as their attention is gained, we employ modern technology to rapidly capture objective images of the eye and its functioning. With modern diagnostic tools , it often requires a mere 0.3 to 0.5 seconds to capture information on refractive error, vision and ocular health. After the child has left the office, we gather the data and review these findings and make recommendations.

For information or an appointment with Dr. Charlotte Gore or Dr. Donny Suh, call 949-824-2020.  For more information about Dr. Gore or Dr. Suh, please click here.

Pediatric ophthalmologists are also the specialists for eye-muscle surgery AT ANY AGE. Far too often, adults tolerate the troublesome appearance and double vision of eye alignment disorders, collectively referred to as strabismus.

IF YOU ARE AN ADULT WITH DOUBLE VISION, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT SURGERY EXISTS TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.

"As a strabismus surgeon, I still see patients who have held their head in an unhealthy position, painfully undergoing therapy for neck, back and knee problems ALL THEIR LIVES, all related to an untreated eye muscle imbalance, which forces the head and body into an unnatural position to avoid double vision. If you have thought that nothing can be done for these conditions, please seek consultation" says Dr. Lingua.

A few words on some common problems…
You can also link to the web site for the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, for more detailed explanations on the diagnosis and treatment of the more common eye problems that children encounter. Go to www.aapos.org and click on “Info for Patients.” The information was collected from pediatric eye specialists across the nation. Here is an introduction to the information available:

Abnormal Head Position
An abnormal head posture or position occurs when the eyes are not looking directly at the target of interest. Abnormal head positions can include chin up, chin down, head tilted to the right or left, and face turns to the right or left. The abnormal position of the head could be due to an ocular or a non- ocular problem.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Accommodative Esotropia
Accommodative esotropia or refractive esotropia is eye crossing that is caused (partially or wholly) by focusing efforts of the eyes as they try to see clearly
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Achromatopsia
Achromatopsia is a non-progressive visual disorder which is characterized by decreased vision, light sensitivity, and the absence of color vision.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Adjustable Sutures in Strabismus Surgery
Adjustable suture surgery is a technique that allows for change in eye muscle position in the immediate postoperative period. It may improve the chance for desired eye alignment.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Treatment Options for Adult Strabismus
Recent treatment advances allow most adults with misaligned eyes to have surgical correction.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Albinism
The word albinism refers to a large group of inherited conditions. People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, and/or hair. They have inherited genes that do not make the usual amounts of melanin, the major pigment giving color to our skin and eyes.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction of the eye to things in the environment such as dust, pollen, animal dander, and medications. Commonly called, “pink eye”
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Amblyopia
Amblyopia or "lazy eye" is a common vision problem in children and is responsible for vision loss in more children than all other causes combined. Amblyopia is decreased vision of a child that results when one or both eyes send a blurry image to the brain. One in 20 children have amblyopia!
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Anesthesia for Adults having eye surgery
A “general,” “local,” or “topical”anesthesia is necessary during all kinds of surgery to reduce or eliminate pain. Adult eye muscle surgery is often done with LOCAL anesthesia
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Anesthesia for Children having eye surgery
A “general” anesthesia is typically necessary during all kinds of children’s eye surgery.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Anatomy of the Eye
The human eye is a complex structure.  The following list describes the parts of the eye in detail.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Aniridia
Aniridia means an absence of the iris or the colored part of the eye. A small rim of iris may be visible only with use of a special instrument by an ophthalmologist. The pupil is large and the condition in present in both eyes.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Anisocoria and Horner's Syndrome
The term anisocoria refers to pupils that are different sizes at the same time. The presence of anisocoria can be normal, or it can be a sign of a medical condition. In Horner’s syndrome, the pupil in the involved eye is usually smaller and does not dilate as well as the other eye.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Astigmatism (distorted sight): a Refractive Error
Refractive errors are the result of the eye improperly focusing light on the retina.  The following list of conditions are the result of refractive errors. 
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy, is a weakness of the muscles of the face that comes on suddenly and is not caused by any known underlying condition. Bell’s palsy is also known as idiopathic facial palsy (“idiopathic” means of unknown cause and “palsy” means paralysis). Although more common in adults, Bell’s palsy can occur in children.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Brown Syndrome
Brown syndrome (named after Dr. Harold W. Brown) is also known as Superior Oblique Tendon Sheath syndrome. It is a mechanical problem in which the superior oblique muscle/tendon (on the outside of the eyeball) does not move freely. This can cause an abnormal head “tilt”.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Capillary Hemangioma
A capillary hemangioma (“strawberry” birthmark) is a benign, abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels. If near the eye, glaucoma can occur.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Cataract
A cataract is any cloudiness or opacity of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataract size ranges from very small to entire lens involvement. If it occurs early in a child’s life, a surgical emergency is considered.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Cellulitis
Preseptal cellulitis is swelling of the superficial or anterior portion of the eyelid in front of the septum. The septum is a sheet of connective tissue that separates the anterior superficial eyelid from the orbit (bony socket that contains the eye). Immediate treatment is necessary.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Chalazion (stye)
A chalazion is a bump in the eyelid that is usually about the size of a small pea although it is occasionally smaller or larger. More than one chalazion can occur in an eyelid at the same time.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Coats Disease
Coats disease is a congenital abnormality of retinal blood vessels. The dilated vessels leak fluid which may cause exudates to deposit in the retina and possibly lead to retinal detachment.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Tears normally drain through small openings in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids called puncta and enter the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. Tear duct obstruction prevents tears from draining through this system normally, resulting in tearing, mucous and secondary infection.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or "pink eye" is a condition where the eyes look pink or red and may have discharge. Symptoms may include burning, irritation, discharge, or crusting of the lashes.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Convergence Insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency is the inability to maintain binocular function (keeping the two eyes working together) while working at a near distance. Typically, one eye will turn outward (intermittent exotropia) when focusing on a word or object from closer than a certain distance.

This can cause trouble reading, headaches, and loss of attention at school.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Cortical Visual Impairment
Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is decreased visual response in both eyes due to an abnormality affecting the part of the brain responsible for sight. It is one of the most frequent causes of visual impairment in children from developed countries.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Cranial Nerve Palsy
The brainstem connects the spinal cord to the brain.  The brainstem performs spinal-cord like functions for the head.  The cranial nerves emanate from the brainstem.  They provide sensory and motor functions that deal with the special senses (olfaction, sight, hearing, equilibrium, and taste). Cranial nerve palsies result in strabismus.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Cranial Nerve VI (6) Palsy/Abducens Palsy
Sixth cranial nerve palsy is weakness of the nerve that innervates the lateral rectus muscle. The lateral rectus muscle pulls the eye away from the nose and when the lateral rectus muscle is weak, the eye turns inward toward the nose (esotropia). The esotropia is larger on distance fixation and  on gaze to the same side as the affected lateral rectus muscle.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Dermoid Cyst
A dermoid is an overgrowth of normal, non-cancerous tissue in an abnormal location. Dermoids occur all over the body. The ones in and around the eye are usually comprised of skin structures and fat.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes may cause blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive lining of the eye) to become damaged (leaky or blocked) or grow abnormally.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Dilating Eye Drops
Dilating eye drops contain medication to enlarge (dilate) the pupil of the eye. There are two types of drops: one type stimulates contraction of the muscles that enlarge the pupil (such as phenylephrine); the other type relaxes the muscles that make the pupil constrict (such as cyclopentolate). These are frequently used at your first eye examination
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Dissociated Vertical Divergence (DVD)
DVD is a condition in which one eye drifts upward. The eye may drift upward only occasionally or be deviated almost constantly.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Down Syndrome and the Eyes
Down syndrome is caused by a duplication of all or part of chromosome 21 making three copies of the chromosome rather than the usual two copies. Individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk for a variety of eye and vision disorders.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Duane Syndrome
Duane syndrome, also called Duane retraction syndrome (DRS), is a group of eye muscle disorders that cause abnormal eye movements. People with Duane syndrome have difficulty rotating one or both eyes outward (abduction) or inward (adduction).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Esotropia
A type of strabismus in which one or both eyes turn inward. It can be intermittent or constant.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Exotropia
Exotropia refers to eyes that turn outward. It is the opposite of crossed eyes, or esotropia.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Eye Safety Questions and Answers
The following list addresses common questions related to eye safety.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Fetal Alchohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) describes changes in a baby born to a mother whose pregnancy was complicated by alcohol consumption.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Fourth Nerve Palsy/Superior Oblique Palsy/Trochlear Palsy
A superior oblique palsy is a weakness of the superior oblique muscle, one of the extra ocular muscles of the eye. A palsy refers to a complete weakening of the muscle while a paresis is a partial weakening. This condition is usually unilateral (one eye) but can be bilateral (both eyes). As the fourth cranial nerve innervates the superior oblique, this is also known as a fourth nerve palsy. 
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Glasses for Children: Questions and Answers
The following list addresses comon questions about glasses for children.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve that often occurs when the eye pressure is elevated and can result in severe vision loss.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Headaches in Children: Questions and Answers
The following list addresses common questions about headaches in children.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Herpes-related Eye Disease
Herpes is a family of viruses with many different subtypes. Eye infections and mouth cold sores are most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Hyperopia (farsighted): a Refractive Error
Refractive errors are the result of the eye improperly focusing light on the retina.  The following list of conditions are the result of refractive errors. 
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Hyphema
A hyphema is an accumulation of blood in the space between the cornea and the iris.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder that results from an increase in the pressure of the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is constantly produced in the brain and reabsorbed back into the bloodstream at a fairly constant rate.  This allows the fluid pressure around the brain to remain constant.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Infantile Esotropia
Esotropia is an inward turning of one or both eyes. Infantile esotropia begins at birth or during the first year of life. Infantile esotropia is also called congenital esotropia.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL)
An intraocular lens implant is a synthetic, artificial lens placed inside the eye that replaces the focusing power of a natural lens that is surgically removed, usually as part of cataract surgery (see cataracts).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Iritis
Iritis is inflammation of the iris. Frequently, children with arthrirtis are screened for iritis.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis/Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is defined as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) of greater than 3 months' duration with onset at less than 16 years of age.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition that is due to progressive steepening of the cornea resulting in a "cone" shaped appearance. The cornea becomes thin near the center and may lead to myopia (near sightedness) and/or severe astigmatism. It is usually bilateral and typically begins to develop during adolescence.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Learning Disabilites and the Visual System
Learning disability is a lifelong condition which interferes with the ability to learn. This includes: learning to read, reading comprehension, writing and spelling, mathematical operations, learning a foreign language, and organizing written and spoken language. Individuals with LD may be particularly gifted in other skills and are typically of normal intelligence.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Leber's Congenital Amaurosis
Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited condition in which findings commonly first appear after 2-3 months of age. LCA affects both the rods and cones (cells which detect light) of the retina.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Leukocoria
Leukocoria means "white pupil." It occurs when the pupil (the round hole in the colored part of the eye) is white rather than the usual black.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Marfan Syndrome
The Marfan syndrome is a heritable condition that affects the strength of the connective tissues that hold parts of the body together and provide a framework for growth and development. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, patients with Marfan syndrome have problems with a number of systems including the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection in children. It causes bumps on the skin including the eyelids and eyelid margins (ocular molluscum). The bumps are usually pearl-like and dome-shaped with a central crater (umbilication).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Monocular Elevation Deficiency/ Double Elevator Palsy
Monocular Elevation Deficiency, also known by the older term Double Elevator Palsy, is an inability to elevate one eye, usually resulting in one eye that is pointed downward relative to the other eye (hypotropia).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack normal skeletal muscle tissue and render it weak. It occurs in both children and adults and can affect different muscle groups in the body.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Myopia (nearsighted): a Refractive Error
Refractive errors are the result of the eye improperly focusing light on the retina.  The following list of conditions are the result of refractive errors. 
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is a condition characterized by multiple growths which derive from primitive cells in the body. The growths occur along nerve paths, anywhere in the body. Neurofibromatosis skin lesions are typically flat, pigmented patches but occasionally are elevated flesh-colored bumps. These bumps can be called “café-au-lait” spots.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Nystagmus
Nystagmus is an involuntary, shaking, “to and fro” movement of the eyes.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Optic Nerve Atrophy
Optic nerve atrophy (ONA) is mild to severe damage to the optic nerve that can adversely affect central vision, peripheral vision and color vision.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Optic Nerve Drusen
Optic nerve drusen are abnormal globular concretions of protein and calcium salts which accumulate in the optic nerve and usually become visible after the first decade of life. They occur in both eyes more often than just one.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a congenital condition in which the optic nerve is underdeveloped (small).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is a condition that involves inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the visual signal from the eye to the brain.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Orthoptist and Orthoptics: Questions and Answers
Certified orthoptists are allied health professionals uniquely trained in evaluation and management of children and adults with eye movement abnormalities. They practice orthoptics and are recognized among the highest levels of ophthalmic medical personnel.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Patching Tips for Parents
Patching is sometimes recommended when children are diagnosed with amblyopia or lazy eye. It works by handicapping the eye with normal vision so that the vision in the poorer seeing amblyopic eye improves. The following list includes patching tips for parents.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Pediatric Ophthalmologist
All ophthalmologists (medical doctors) have training in children’s eye problems, but the pediatric ophthalmologist has had additional training and practice in examining children and caring for their eye problems. If your primary care doctor suggests that your child have his or her eyes checked, a pediatric ophthalmologist will have the greatest knowledge of the possible conditions and the greatest experience in examining children effectively.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Pseudostrabismus
Strabismus is the medical term for eye misalignment. Pseudostrabismus refers to a false appearance of strabismus. Most often the eye(s) have the false appearance of turning inward.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Pterygium
Pterygium means "wing" and refers to a wing-like growth that spreads over the cornea. Pterygia are more common in warm climates such as the tropics and are associated with early exposure to the sun (especially during childhood and teen years).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Ptosis (tow-sis)
A droopy eyelid or ptosis can be present at birth (congenital) or occur later in life (acquired). Poor development of the levator palpebris muscle in the upper eyelid with resulting abnormal function is the most common cause of congenital ptosis. Acquired ptosis has many causes. Ptosis can involve one or both upper eyelids, with or without asymmetry.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Refractive Errors: Myopia (nearsighted), Hyperopia (farsighted),
Astigmatism (distorted sight)
Refractive errors are the result of the eye improperly focusing light on the retina.  The following list of conditions are the result of refractive errors.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of diseases characterized by a gradual loss of vision (night and peripheral, predominantly) caused by changes in the retina (pigment and neural cells, blood vessels, etc).
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the eye(s) that originates from the retina (light-sensitive lining of the eye). One (unilateral) or both (bilateral) eyes may be affected and typically occurs in children less than 5 years old.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease caused by abnormal development of retina blood vessels in premature infants.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Retinoschisis (Congenital X-linked Retinoschisis, Juvenile X-linked Retinoschisis)
The retina is the back part of the eye that sends images to the brain. The retina consists of ten layers with the inside surface consisting primarily of nerve fibers. The term “schisis” means split. Hence retinoschisis is a split in the layers of the retina.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Retinoscopy: How We Determine Glasses for Nonverbal Children
Retinoscopy is a technique to determine objectively the refractive error of the eye (farsighted, nearsighted, astigmatism) and the need for glasses. The test can be quick, easy, reliably accurate and requires minimal cooperation from the patient.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a genetic multi-system disorder characterized by facial abnormalities, broad thumbs and great toes, and developmental disability.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a constellation of findings (including serious brain injury) that occurs when a baby is shaken repeatedly or the head impacts a hard object.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Sixth Nerve Palsy/Abducens Palsy
Sixth cranial nerve palsy is weakness of the nerve that innervates the lateral rectus muscle. The lateral rectus muscle pulls the eye to the side, away from the nose. An eye affected by sixth nerve palsy turns inward (esotropia). The esotropia is larger when looking at a distance and also to the same side as the affected lateral rectus muscle.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Stickler Syndrome
Stickler syndrome is a progressive genetic disorder of connective tissue throughout out the body.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Strabismus
Strabismus is any misalignment of the eyes.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Strabismus Measurements and Techniques
Strabismus is measured in several different ways, depending on the level of cooperation of the patient. Light reflex tests are easiest to perform, and cover testing requires more cooperation and is more accurate.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery strengthens or weakens eye muscles, which changes the alignment of the eyes relative to each other.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Sturge-Weber syndrome is characterized by a reddish discoloration of the skin on one side of the face (port wine stain) and malformation of blood vessels of the brain.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Superior Oblique Palsy/Trochlear Palsy/Fourth Nerve Palsy
A superior oblique palsy is a weakness of the superior oblique muscle, one of the extra ocular muscles of the eye. A palsy refers to a complete weakening of the muscle while a paresis is a partial weakening. This condition is usually unilateral (one eye) but can be bilateral (both eyes). As the fourth cranial nerve innervates the superior oblique, this is also known as a fourth nerve palsy.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Third Nerve (Cranial Nerve III [3]) Palsy/Oculomotor Palsy
Palsy or weakness of the third cranial nerve causes loss of movement of the eye up, down, and in as well as drooping (ptosis) of the upper eyelid. In a complete palsy, the pupil may be enlarged, and the ability of the eye to focus at near (accommodate) may be impaired. The weakness of the third nerve may be partial or complete.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Thyroid Eye Disorders
The following list details several disorders that are the result of a malfunctioning thyroid gland.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection with the protozoan intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the eye, Toxoplasma infections frequently cause significant inflammation and subsequent scarring which may temporarily or permanently impair vision.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

Vision Screening
Vision screening is an efficient and cost-effective method to identify children with visual impairment or eye conditions that are likely to lead to visual impairment so that a referral can be made to an appropriate eye care professional for further evaluation and treatment.
www.aapos.org

Back to menu

For ophthalmology appointments, please call:

UC Irvine Medical Center
714-456-7183

Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Building
949-824-2020

Laser Refractive Surgery
949-824-9970