Dr Wong Bik Yun Inez
Ophthalmologist
Children's developing vision requires special care, as early detection and treatment of eye issues are crucial for preventing long-term visual impairments. The field of paediatric ophthalmology is dedicated to diagnosing and treating eye conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
At Parkway East Hospital, our experienced team at the paediatric ophthalmology service includes Dr Inez Wong, Dr Zena Lim, and Dr Kelvin Teo, who specialise in a range of children's eye problems and treatments including myopia control and strabismus management.
Clear vision is essential for a child's social, cognitive, and physical growth, as vision problems can hinder their ability to engage in everyday activities and education. By providing timely, individualised care, our paediatric ophthalmologists can help children overcome visual challenges and thrive in their formative years.
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Common conditions treated by our paediatric eye specialists
Refractive errors occur when light entering the eye doesn't focus properly, leading to blurry vision. Accurate diagnosis through cycloplegic refraction, where eye drops are used to relax the eye muscles, is crucial in children. If left untreated, severe refractive errors can cause amblyopia (lazy eye). Glasses may be prescribed to correct vision, especially when there is a significant difference between the eyes.
Myopia control: As high myopia is associated with an increased risk of potentially sight-threatening complications, a lot of effort has been put into researching the possibility of slowing down myopia progression in children. The typical age of rapid myopia progression is 6 - 12 years old. At Parkway East Hospital, we offer atropine eyedrops in various concentrations and other optical means such as contact lenses tailored to each patient. Patients will be monitored regularly to assess the control as well as any side effects.
Amblyopia typically develops before age 7 and can result from conditions like refractive errors, strabismus, or drooping eyelids. If detected early, treatment may involve patching the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker one, correcting vision. Timely intervention is critical to achieving the best outcomes.
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, where one eye may drift outward or turn inward. If untreated, it can lead to amblyopia or impaired depth perception. Depending on the severity, treatment may be conservative, such as glasses or exercises, or surgical to correct the eye position. In rare cases, strabismus can signal underlying brain or eye issues.
“Red eyes” can be caused by infections (bacterial or viral), allergies, or conditions like blepharitis. While often minor, some cases may lead to more serious complications, such as corneal scarring. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent vision loss.
This condition results from a blocked oil gland in the eyelid, leading to a small, firm bump. Treatment usually involves warm compresses and topical antibiotics, though in severe cases, surgery may be needed to drain the cyst.
Ptosis can obstruct a child’s vision, sometimes causing astigmatism and leading to amblyopia. Depending on the severity, surgery may be needed to lift the eyelid and prevent further complications.
Common in certain ethnic groups, this condition occurs when the lashes turn inward, rubbing against the cornea and causing discomfort or vision problems. While many cases resolve naturally as the child grows, some may require surgery to correct the eyelid position.
A white or dark red reflex in the pupil can be a sign of cataract, a clouding of the lens. While rare in children, cataracts may require surgical removal to restore vision. In very rare cases, an abnormal reflex could signal retinoblastoma, a serious eye cancer.
ROP primarily affects premature babies born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight. This condition can range from mild to severe, with the most severe cases risking blindness due to retinal scarring. Treatment options include laser therapy or injections to prevent further damage to the retina.
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