Pediatric Ophthalmology Houston TX
Ophthalmology services at Children’s Memorial Herman Hospital and the Robert Cizik Eye Clinic provide inpatient and outpatient treatment to pediatric patients with a wide variety of eye conditions. Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, our team of pediatric ophthalmologists provides care for the most common pediatric ophthalmology problems, such as refractive error, nasolacrimal duct obstructions, strabismus, amblyopia and retinopathy or prematurity, as well as rare eye diseases that include congenital cataracts, glaucoma and ocular tumors.
The physicians affiliated with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School are leading experts in the treatment of pediatric ophthalmic conditions. Using the latest diagnostic technologies, our experienced team of physicians is dedicated to providing exceptional care to the unique needs of each pediatric patient.
Our specialties include:
- Amblyopia
- Coats’ disease
- Congenital cataracts
- Congenital and juvenile glaucomas
- Congenital ptosis and eyelid diseases such as chalazia
- Corneal diseases
- Genetic diseases that affect the eye or surrounding tissues, such as Sturge Weber syndrome, neurofibromatosis, aniridia, coloboma, Marfan’s syndrome, etc.
- Nystagmus
- Orbital disease, such as cellulitis, inflammation and tumors
- Retinopathy of prematurity
- Strabismus
- Tearing, congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction Tumors of the eye, such as retinoblastoma, vascular tumors/malformations, iris and ciliary body tumors, leukemia and lymphoma of the eye and medulloepithelioma
- Uveitis
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is one of the few centers in the United States using telemedicine to treat retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of blindness in premature infants. Our affiliated physicians receive images of preterm infant eyes electronically and determine treatment.
Our team of board-certified pediatric ophthalmologists:
- Lauren S. Blieden, M.D.
- Robert Feldman, M.D.
- Judianne Kellaway, M.D.
- Gene Kim, M.D.
- Kartik Kumar, M.D.
- Helen Mintz-Hittner, M.D.
- Beth Margaret Phillips, M.D.
- Amy C. Schefler, M.D.
- Nan Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Contact Us
For more information, please call (713) 559-5239
How to spot eye trouble in your child
Children’s eyes are their windows to the world. But eye problems can distort this view. They can make images look blurry and unclear. Left untreated, they may affect a child’s learning ability and confidence.
Most pediatric ophthalmologists advise that children get their eyes checked at the first sign of any problem. Also, children should have eye exams at the following ages:
- Newborn
- 6 months to 1 year
- 2½ to 3½ years
- 5 years
If your child already has a vision problem, his or her eyes may need more frequent screenings. Talk with your child’s doctor about what schedule is best.
Clear Causes
Early detection of eye problems can protect your child’s sight. Regular vision tests can help uncover many eye conditions, but it’s also important to tell your child’s doctor about any signs of trouble.
These signs could include:
- Crooked or crossed eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Squinting or eye rubbing
- Holding objects close to his or her eyes
- Complaints of headaches, dizziness or nausea after doing something up close, such as reading
If a problem is suspected, your child’s doctor will probably use an eye test to determine the cause. Many times, refractive problems are to blame. These can make a child’s vision blurry. The following are examples of two common refractive problems:
- Nearsightedness: difficulty seeing far-away objects
- Farsightedness: problems seeing items close up
Untreated, refractive problems may lead to a serious eye condition called amblyopia, or lazy eye. Amblyopia can result in blindness.
Eyewear Makes a Difference
Many common vision problems can be corrected with prescription glasses or contacts. Contacts require extra care and handling. They may be better suited for older children. Glasses, however, can be worn at any age.