Condition

Pediatric Congenital/Developmental Anomalies Affecting the Eye and Orbit

In the human embryo, the eyes are formed by a delicate and complex process. Problems in this process can lead to congenital (present at birth) eye malformations. These conditions are relatively rare, occurring in approximately five per 10,000 live births.

What You Need to Know

Key Symptoms

The most common symptoms of congenital/developmental eye anomalies are:

Abnormal-looking eye
Reduced eye vision

Diagnosis

Congenital/developmental eye anomalies are typically diagnosed by:

Physical examination
MRI
CT scan
Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment typically includes:

Glasses
Patching
Surgery

Children with these problems need the kind of specialized experience found among the pediatric ophthalmologists at Children's National Hospital. Patients are regularly seen at Children's National for these conditions.

Children's National has a special Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic, headed by Brian P. Brooks, MD, PhD, one of the few physicians nationwide who is board certified both as a pediatric ophthalmologist and a clinical geneticist. Dr. Brooks conducts an active scientific research program on inherited eye diseases at the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health. All members of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Team help assess, refer and manage cases of congenital/developmental eye anomalies.

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers who treat congenital eye and orbit malformations and schedule an appointment today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are congenital/developmental anomalies affecting the eye and orbit?

What are the symptoms of congenital/developmental eye anomalies in children?

How are congenital/developmental eye anomalies diagnosed in children?

What is included in treatment of congenital/developmental eye anomalies in children?

Treatment focuses on maximizing visual potential with glasses and patching. Patients are treated by our ophthalmic surgeons, as necessary, for treatment of glaucoma, cataracts or other associated anomalies. Genetic counseling and information access is also provided. At Children's National Hospital, treatment is almost entirely outpatient. The frequency of treatment can vary from once every month to once a year.

What is the long-term outlook for a child with congenital/developmental eye anomalies in children?

After initial treatment, families can expect to have a broader understanding of the eye disease, its possible genetic background and possible related conditions. Parents will be made aware of the visual potential of the child, the possible need for special educational placement and the long-term prognosis and/or progression of the disease. In some cases low vision aids may be necessary or helpful.

How Our Teams Help

All members of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Team help assess, refer and manage cases of congenital/developmental eye anomalies. Members of the Pediatric Oculoplastics Team evaluate and surgically treat malformations such as lid deformities, lid coloboma (absence of the lids), ptosis (drooping of the lids) and small orbits due to extremely small or "absent" eyeballs.

Departments that Treat Congenital/Developmental Anomalies Affecting the Eye and Orbit

Ophthalmology

See how the pediatric ophthalmologists at Children's National specialize in diagnosing and treating complex eye problems, including strabismus, childhood cataracts, glaucoma and rare congenital disorders.

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