Children’s Eye Conditions
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Amblyopia is reduced vision in one or both eyes caused by abnormal visual development in childhood. Even with glasses, the eye is unable to see clearly. It is often treatable with glasses and patching. The term “lazy eye” is often used to describe amblyopia.
Amblyopia affects 2% – 4% of all children. There is frequently a family history of amblyopia or strabismus in the family. Amblyopia may be mild moderate or severe.
What Causes Amblyopia?
The causes of amblyopia are varied and include:
- Strabismus (crossed-eyes, squint). This is a misalignment of the eyes, i.e. one eye is oriented straight ahead and the second is pointed towards the nose (inwards) or the temple (outwards). When the eyes are not aligned, the child’s brain will often use the correctly aligned eye to see with and the other will be “shut off” or “suppressed”. This prevents the child from seeing two images. The eye that is crossed is therefore not used and the part of the brain dedicated to vision in this eye becomes dormant and amblyopia develops.
- Anisometropia. This refers to an unequal optical focusing power of each eye. The eye with the most defocused image is used less and amblyopia can develop. This is treated with glasses and occasionally patching. This type of amblyopia often responds well to treatment.
- Visual deprivation. Any condition that blocks light getting into the back of the eye and stimulating the retina (the photographic camera at the back of the eye) can cause amblyopia. Such conditions include congenital cataracts, corneal opacities or droopy eyelids (ptosis). Even if the underlying disease is corrected with the appropriate surgery, amblyopia may persist.
I had my squint eye operation done by Dr Kathryn Mc Creery. I cannot thank her and her staff enough for their wonderful help in getting me my operation done successfully and professionally. Her staff were unbelievably friendly and made the experience so much better. Plus Dr. McCreery who rectified the turn in my eye gave me my confidence back. The experience was a very positive one, from start to finish they helped me. Thank you so much.
Roslyn Gallagher
Ms. McCreery carried out laser eye surgery on me about two months ago after 15 years of being totally dependent on glasses, it's hard to imagine I ever wore glasses now! Would 1000% recommend anyone who is considering laser to see Dr McCreery - every step of the process was so easy and I felt very well looked after by her and the entire team at Blackrock Eye Care. Couldn't be happier with my treatment and the results!
Deirdre Meehan
After many years weighing up the merits of getting laser eye surgery; I decided to have a consultation with Ms. Kathryn McCreery to establish suitability. The initial assessment was straightforward and the options and considerations were clearly explained to me. The surgery itself (PRK) was incredibly quick and painless. The results were even better than I could have hoped for and I now enjoy a quality of vision that is superior to that which my glasses used to provide. Although there are plenty of practitioners in this field; I went with Blackrock Eye Care as it is medical professional led rather than marketing led. The depth of experience, quality of aftercare and service level are what mattered to me. I highly recommend.
Ciaran Gorman
I recently had strabismus surgery with Kathryn McCreery and I'm absolutely delighted with the results. The surgery was done in the one day with no pain afterwards, only mild discomfort. My depth perception returned very quickly and the difference is unbelievable both cosmetically and comfort wise. Everyone was very friendly and professional from initial consultation to the surgery and after care. They took their time explaining everything to me and really looked after me. I had my consultation in March and surgery a few weeks later. I still can't believe the results and I'm delighted. Thanks to all in the Blackrock Eye Care. I can't recommend them enough
Mark Grenham
When my husband had his cataract surgery last year, we always felt great confidence in Ms. McCreery and thanks to her and the professional team, Pat made a great recovery and has his quality of life back.
Bernadette Quinn
Lasik gave me such great results, I don’t know why I waited. I would recommend Blackrock Eye Care & Ms McCreery to anyone who is eligible for the surgery
Patrick Molloy
For years my son suffered from his squint. When we finally sought treatment, we went to Blackrock Eye Care and the team were fantastic to Mark. He had his treatment and has never looked back, it was life-changing!
Pamela Byrne
Our son Jack (15 months) had a turn in his eye and from the very first appointment with Ms McCreery, we had full confidence in her and of the quality of the treatment Jack would receive. We have had this confidence reinforced at every appointment. Ms McCreery is an absolute expert in working with children and diagnosed immediately the issue and identified a course of action for Jack which involved a surgical procedure. As parents, this was a daunting experience however Ms MCreery’s whole surgical and nursing team were incredible in their attention and thoughtfulness for us and this made all the difference to our experience. The surgery has been a huge success and we are delighted with the outcome. I cannot express enough my gratitude to Ms McCreery and her team and we would highly recommend her to any parent.
Sean Flynn
I recently had a Lasek procedure with Ms. Kathryn McCreery in December 2016 and the whole experience was very positive . I had a speedy appointment booked at short notice, I went in had my procedure which took no longer than 5 minutes per eye and it all felt as easy as if going for a dental check up. Instantly after the procedure I could see much clearer. A week passed and I had clearer vision than through my contact lenses, i just thought how simple the procedure was and how much relief and benefit it gave. I now have better than 20/20 vision and Keep thinking why didn't I do this before. I also however don't believe it would have been as successful and such a seamless process had I not been looked after by Ms. Kathryn McCreery and her staff who are heavily experienced in this field and would highly recommend her and Blackrock Clinic if you want a more improved quality of life.
Sam Hussain
I would highly recommend Ms. Kathryn McCreery & her team. They explained everything that I needed to know to make me feel comfortable prior & post laser surgery. My care on the day was fantastic as was the follow up care I have received the days and months after. My advice would be stop thinking about it & do it, you won't regret it, the best decision I have ever made, life changing
Davinia O'Keeffe
