Paediatric Ophthalmology

Paediatric ophthalmology is a sub specialty providing comprehensive assessment of all aspects of a child’s visual system. Our specialists treat anything from a simple chalazion to potentially sight threatening disorders such as congenital cataract or glaucoma.

Cura Ophthalmology Specialists' paediatric team is highly experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a comprehensive range of eye conditions including Strabismus (squint), amblyopia, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, nystagmus, as well as a wide range of other ophthalmic conditions.

• Strabismus

  Sometimes called “squint” or “cross-eyes” refers to misalignment of the eyes, with one eye pointing in one direction and the fellow eye in a different direction. Strabismus is often but not always associated with amblyopia. In adults, strabismus can be associated with thyroid eye disease and oculomotor cranial nerve palsies, both of which are less common in children.

  Depending upon the specific indication, strabismus management includes spectacles, occlusion (if amblyopia is present) and surgical intervention. As with amblyopia, prompt and appropriate management of strabismus is essential for optimal visual development, particularly regarding stereopsis that underlie depth perception.

• Amblyopia

  A child’s eyes needs regular, equal use to develop normal vision. Poor vision in an eye that did not get enough use during childhood is called amblyopia (“lazy eye”). Treatment during early childhood can usually reverse amblyopia. Treatment after childhood is rarely helpful. A child with amblyopia who does not get treatment will probably have poor vision for the rest of his or her life.

  Amblyopia is caused by any condition that affects normal use of the eyes and visual development. In many cases, the conditions associated with amblyopia may be inherited. Children in a family with a history of amblyopia or misaligned eyes should be checked by an Ophthalmologist early in life. There are 3 major causes of amblyopia in children – strabismus (turned eye), unequal focus due to refractive error or cloudiness caused by lens or corneal opacity.

  Success in the treatment of amblyopia also depends upon how severe the amblyopia is and how old the child is when treatment is begun. If the problem is detected and treated early, vision can improve for most children. Sometimes part-time treatment may have to continue until the child is about nine years of age. After this time, amblyopia usually does not return. If amblyopia is first discovered after early childhood, treatment may not be so successful.

• Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

  is the obstruction of nasolacrimal duct and may be either congenital or acquired. Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct leads to the excess overflow of tears called epiphora. Most cases resolve on their own, however, surgical intervention may be necessary in the form of a probe and syringe to remove the obstruction. Stents may also be inserted to keep the duct open.

• Congenital Ptosis

  A drooping eyelid is called ptosis. In ptosis, the upper eyelid falls to a position that is lower than normal. In severe cases of ptosis, the drooping eyelid can cover part or all of the pupil and interfere with vision, resulting in amblyopia. Ptosis can affect one eye or both eyes and may be present at birth, or acquired later in life. If a droopy eyelid is present at birth or within the first year of life, the condition is called congenital ptosis. In most cases of congenital ptosis, the problem is isolated and does not affect the vision. Any ptosis that develops over a period of days or weeks can signal a serious medical problem and needs further neurologic and physical evaluation. Not all patients with congenital ptosis require surgical intervention, however, patients do need to be monitored for signs of amblyopia. Surgery may also be considered if an abnormal head position is adopted (chin up to see under the drooping eyelid) or for psychosocial/cosmetic reasons.

Adult Ophthalmology

Cura Ophthalmology Specialists also provides a wide range of services for adults. Our highly experienced ophthalmologists combine specialist expertise and a range of advanced technology to diagnose, treat and manage a range of eye conditions including, but not limited to:

• Age related macular degeneration

  Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australians over the age of 50. The macula is the most central part of the retina responsible for us being able to see very fine detail, reading and also for driving. When someone has macular degeneration, this part of the retina becomes damaged, resulting in blurred and distorted vision.

  There are 2 types of Macular Degeneration:

  Wet AMD – this is when new abnormal vessels start growing in the retina. These new vessels are weak and leak fluid causing swelling in the macula which, if left untreated, causes the retinal fibers to deteriorate. It is very treatable but needs to be treated urgently.

  Dry AMD – this type starts with drusen or ‘age spots’ in the retina, most people will not notice any significant change in their vision and can continue to read and drive with minimal difficulty. Some people will progress to a more advanced stage which causes geographic atrophy. This can result in severe loss of vision. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Dry AMD.

• Diabetic Retinopathy

  This is a problem caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. High blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. The weakened blood vessels become leaky and leak fluid into the retina. Some of the blood vessels break and bleed into the retina. As the disease becomes more advanced, new abnormal blood vessels may grow. (Proliferative diabetic retinopathy) These new blood vessels can bleed, cause cloudy vision, and destroy the retina. This can cause blurred and distorted vision and can ultimately lead to irreversible blindness. It is important to keep up to date with your ophthalmic checks. Your ophthalmologist will inform you of any treatment if needed.

• Glaucoma

  Glaucoma is a disease affecting the optic nerve that can cause painless, progressive loss of a person’s peripheral vision. If left untreated and undiagnosed, it can lead to reduced peripheral vision or “tunnel vision” and eventually, permanent loss of vision and complete blindness. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

  There are many factors which contribute to the disease, which is often without obvious symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Family history is significant with first degree relatives of patients diagnosed with glaucoma are ten times more likely to develop the disease. The risk of a glaucoma diagnosis also increases with age, with approximately one in eight Australians over the age of 80 developing the disease.

  There are many different types of glaucoma and depending on which one you suffer from depends on how you are treated. There are many treatment options available for glaucoma including pharmaceutical and surgical, your ophthalmologist will advise which treatment is best for you. It is incredibly important to maintain regular checkups with your doctor to monitor progression.

• Cataracts

  A cataract is the clouding over of the natural lens inside our eyes. This is part of the natural aging process of the eye and everyone at some point in their lives will have some degree of cataract, though some may not notice.

  Symptoms include blurring of vision, glare, halos, change in glasses prescription and difficulty in reading and driving at night.

  Cataracts are easily treated with surgery in day hospital. Your doctor will discuss your options with you at your appointment.

• Vitreoretinal conditions

  This includes any condition affecting the vitreous (the jelly inside the eye) or the retina such as retinal detachment, posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane, retinal vein and artery occlusions, flashes and floaters and vitreomacular traction.

  Our specialists are able to diagnose and treat all of these conditions, they will advise you on the best possible treatment for your diagnosis whether it be laser treatment or surgery.

For all our patients that attend the suites, we are able to make referrals for any additional care you may need, including MRI or CT scanning, or specialist diagnostic imaging of the eyes.

If a surgical outcome is recommended our doctors operate at a number of facilities conveniently located near Cura Ophthalmology Specialists. Our friendly staff will provide you with all the paperwork and ensure you are booked in for a preoperative assessment prior to your surgery.

If you are a current patient awaiting surgery and have any questions, please call our staff here at Cura Ophthalmology Specialists who will be happy to help.