Pediatric ophthalmology.

ABSTRACT

A wide variety of pediatric ophthalmologic diseases may present to the emergency physician. It is important for emergency physicians to know which diseases can be treated and which require urgent ophthalmologic intervention. Any asymmetry in a patient's ophthalmologic examination must be referred to a specialist for continuing care and definitive treatment. When identified early, strabismus, esotropia, or exotropia can be treated with significant benefit to the child's vision in the future. Abnormalities in size, shape, or color of the anterior portions of the eye are easily detected with inspection and may be indications of more serious illnesses such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, or tumors. These entities can be recognized by their distinguishing characteristics, and treatment can be initiated. Chlamydial and herpetic conjunctivitis, orbital cellulitis, posterior uveitis, and glaucoma are a few of the more urgent problems that may present to the emergency physician and should not be missed. A good history and careful examination will prevent the devastating effects of these diseases.