Pediatric Ophthalmology
Pediatric Ophthalmology at North Georgia Eye Associates
Pediatric ophthalmology is a specialized branch of eye care that focuses on children’s eye health and vision from infancy through adolescence. Children’s eyes are unique and still developing, which makes them susceptible to various vision and eye-related issues.
At North Georgia Eye Associates, our pediatric ophthalmologists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions to ensure proper visual development and overall eye health in the growing years.
What is Pediatric Ophthalmology?
Pediatric ophthalmology diagnoses, treats, and manages eye conditions and visual problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have undergone specialized training to address young patients’ unique eye care needs.
Because children’s eyes are not yet mature, they are still developing, making it imperative to see a pediatric ophthalmologist when necessary. Children may be more likely to develop certain eye conditions because of their age, like strabismus, amblyopia, and myopia.
At North Georgia Eye Associates, our pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Weeks, is trained to deal with various eye conditions that affect children, including:
Refractive Errors
These are common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Pediatric ophthalmologists can prescribe corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses to address these issues.
Strabismus
Also known as crossed eyes, strabismus can reduce vision and depth perception. Pediatric ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat this condition, often using techniques like patching, eye exercises, or surgery.
Amblyopia
Commonly referred to as “lazy eye,” amblyopia is a condition where one eye has weaker vision due to a lack of proper development during early childhood. Treatment may involve patching the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye’s development.
Eye Infections and Inflammations
Children are susceptible to various eye infections and inflammations, such as conjunctivitis and uveitis. Pediatric ophthalmologists can diagnose and manage these conditions, often involving medications or other interventions.
Congenital Abnormalities
Some children are born with eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders. Pediatric ophthalmologists can provide early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent or minimize vision loss.
Tear Duct Abnormalities
Blocked tear ducts are common in infants and can lead to excessive tearing and eye infections. Pediatric ophthalmologists can address these issues through procedures like probing or surgery.
Genetic and Developmental Disorders
Children with genetic or developmental disorders might experience various eye problems. Pediatric ophthalmologists work in collaboration with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care.
Pediatric ophthalmology requires specialized training due to the unique challenges of examining and treating young patients.
How Often Do Children Need an Eye Exam?
Sticking to the suggested timeframes for children’s eye exams is essential to ensure their eyes stay healthy and on track for development. Newborns up to twenty-four months should have a comprehensive eye exam between the ages of six and twelve months.
Between the ages of two and five years, it’s recommended that children undergo a minimum of one eye examination to detect potential early vision problems or developmental concerns. As children enter the school-age phase, typically after five years of age, scheduling eye exams every one to two years is recommended unless a healthcare provider suggests more frequent visits.
Early identification is extremely important. Regular eye examinations promptly pinpoint and address issues, allowing children to have optimal visual progression and overall eye well-being throughout childhood.
Meet Our Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Dr. Weeks specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus (improper ocular alignment) at the North Georgia Eye Clinic. Dr. Weeks has broad experience treating children and offers our young patients eye care and vision correction.
She graduated as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry, specializing in biological chemistry. Later, she graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina.
Dr. Weeks continued her training with an internship in Internal Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She then completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Dr. Weeks has been the recipient of many professional and academic awards, including the Veterans Medical Center Award for Excellence in Patient Care, election into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow Memorial Award, South Carolina Medical Association Auxiliary Scholarship, and the Southern Medical Association Scholarship.
