Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
Precise diagnosis and personalized treatment offer the best chance of preserving and improving your child’s vision. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, children get the individualized care they need when they need it. We personalize our pediatric eye care to your child’s condition, age and development.
Our ophthalmology team diagnoses and treats all pediatric eye conditions. We subspecialize in conditions associated with:
- Cataracts, a cloudy lens
- Cornea, the clear window that covers the front of the eye
- Eye movement, often caused by an eye muscle problem
- Glaucoma, elevated eye pressure
- Neuro-ophthalmology, which includes vision issues related to neurological conditions
- Retina, the tissue layer at the back of the eyeball that converts light to electric signals and sends them to the brain
- Retinoblastoma, cancer that develops in the retina
How We Diagnose Eye Problems
Our team of ophthalmology experts includes on-site pathologists and other diagnostic specialists. They understand the complexity of diagnosing eye conditions in children.
We diagnose eye disease early and accurately using a range of diagnostic methods and procedures, including:
Eye measurements
Our expertise and experience treating children means we know how to precisely measure eyes in children of all ages. We use diagnostic measurements to better understand your child’s:
- Eye movement
- Eye pressure
- Peripheral vision
- Vision loss
Our ophthalmology team also includes full-time orthoptists. These specially trained providers are experts in strabismus (eye crossing or misalignment). They perform the detailed measurements needed to diagnose and manage strabismus.
Liquid biopsy for eye cancer
If your child has a suspected eye tumor, we perform a liquid biopsy to learn more about the disease. After our pediatric anesthesiologist sedates your child, we collect a small sample of eye fluid (aqueous humor) from the front of the eye. The fluid provides valuable information that helps us make a precise diagnosis and personalize treatment.
CHLA pioneered the use of liquid biopsy for diagnosing eye cancer. Liquid biopsy sequencing is an FDA-approved lab test performed on-site through our Center for Personalized Medicine. Learn more about liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma diagnosis.
Retinal imaging
Examining the retina (back layer of the eye) can be challenging. Our ophthalmology experts get the clearest view possible using a variety of imaging methods. The imaging we use includes:
- Fluorescein angiography: During this diagnostic test, we administer yellow dye to your child by mouth or intravenously (IV). The dye causes the eye’s blood vessels to shine. Pictures taken with a special camera highlight any problems and help guide treatment.
- Fundus photography: Pictures taken of your child’s enlarged (dilated) pupil allow a view of the optic nerve, retina and other eye structures.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This innovative technique uses light waves to provide 3D views of the eye’s internal structure. Our team also uses OCT in the operating room when appropriate to precisely guide the surgeon.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves provide a 2D view of the retina when there is scarring, bleeding or other obstruction blocking the view.
Genetic testing
Gene defects can affect vision development, increase eye cancer risk and cause blindness. The Center for Personalized Medicine at CHLA performs genomic and molecular testing on-site. Our ophthalmologists work closely with a specialized molecular pathologist to understand the lab results and develop tailored treatment recommendations.
If no existing gene therapy exists to address the genetic mutation your child has, we offer a research registry. When your child joins the registry, we store the information in a database. You’ll be notified when appropriate clinical trials or treatment become available.
Treating Childhood Vision Problems
We treat common and rare vision disorders in children. Our ophthalmology team takes a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric eye care. We offer a wide range of treatments to meet the needs of your child and your family.
Your child’s ophthalmology treatment may include:
Pediatric eye surgery
Pediatric eye surgery is not the same as eye surgery for adults. It often requires different instruments, techniques and approaches. Our experience and specialized expertise allow us to perform complex surgeries for children of all ages.
During surgery, your child will sleep safely under the watchful eye of our pediatric anesthesiologist. We reduce each child’s time under anesthesia by working together to complete multiple procedures within the same surgery. Find out more about pediatric eye surgery.
Nonsurgical eye treatments
Whenever possible, we treat eye problems with nonsurgical treatment, such as:
- Corrective solutions (glasses, patches, or contact lenses)
- Laser procedures
- Systemic or topical treatments
In some cases, children may need a combination of nonsurgical and surgical eye treatments. Learn more about nonsurgical eye treatments for children.
Eye gene therapy
CHLA was selected as the first center on the West Coast to offer FDA-approved gene therapy to improve the eyesight of children with inherited retinal diseases. This complex surgery requires a pediatric retina surgeon, anesthesiologist and pharmacist with advanced expertise.
We also offer gene therapy through clinical trials for appropriate candidates. Our Center for Personalized Medicine performs genetic testing that helps us identify gene therapy candidates. Discover more about eye gene therapy.
Pediatric Eye Care for Your Child
Every member of our ophthalmology team works primarily with children. We are dedicated to improving childhood vision. Meet our team of pediatric eye specialists.
Contact us
To schedule an appointment at the Vision Center, call 323-361-2347.
