Children admitted to our clinic undergo the following examinations:
Thorough medical history and inquiry about any ocular diseases in the family.
Visual acuity assessment
In pre verbal children - fixation patterns, optokinetic nystagmus, preferential looking.
In verbal children - familiar objects acuity cards, E-illeterate or Snellen cards.
Special emphasis is made in order to rule out the presence of amblyopia.
Ocular motility
Monocular movements as well as binocular versions in all directions of gaze are evaluated.
The ability to converge and divergence is recorded and abnormal or paradoxical movements noticed.
Cover test
The cover-uncover and alternate cover tests are performed to ascertain the fixation pattern of each eye, to detect amblyopia and rule out strabismus.
Binocular vision
Assessment of binocular functions is an integral part of the pediatric ophthalmology examination and is an important factor in the child’s visual performances.
Slit lamp examination
The external ocular surfaces and the potency of the lacrimal puncti are assessed using a minimal illumination beam. Higher illumination power is used to examine the corneal structures, anterior chamber, iris, pupil and the lens.
Dilatation of the pupil
This is carried out by instillation of Tropicamide 0.5% (Mydramide) and Cyclopentholate 1% (Cyclogyl).
Objective refraction is carried out after full cyclopegia is achieved.
Indirect ophthalmoscopy
Thorough examination of the fundi is carried out with special attention to the posterior pole - retinal and vessels architecture, the presence of well defined macular region and foveal reflex and to the anatomy and color of the optic nerve.
Difficult cases and all of those potentially needing surgical intervention are brought for consultation and staff discussion
Thorough explanation to the parents regarding the child’s condition
Suggested treatment and invitation for next follow up visit as deemed necessary.
Exceptionally difficult cases and especially those with suspected lesions in the fundal periphery are invited for examination under general anesthesia. This is carried out on an ambulatory basis under light sedation.