With 22 pediatric beds, this sister
institution of the MGH offers a full range of services in
pediatric ENT and ophthalmology. The MEEI relies on us for
pediatric consultation and, when needed, transfers patients to
the PICU or our floors for acute care. The pediatric staff of
the MEEI takes an active part in the MGH Residency Training
Program.
1. Understand how to distinguish whether a child is normal or has a
pathological eye condition.
Recognize
the normal development of visual acuity and visual tracking in children. b.
Distinguish normal or clinically insignificant eye findings from potentially
serious ones (e.g., variations in pupil size, ptosis, coloration of the iris,
appearance of the optic disk).
2. Understand how to diagnose and manage ophthalmic problems which generally
do not require referral.
1.
Conjunctivitis; 2. Corneal abrasion; 3. Periorbital cellulitis; 4. Hordeolum; 5.
Blocked lacrimal duct; 6. Simple foreign bodies.
3. Understand how to recognize, manage, and refer ophthalmic problems which
generally require referral.
Recognize,
provide initial evaluation and management of, and appropriately refer these
conditions: 1. Amblyopia; 2. Cataract; 3. Chemical burns; 4. Complicated and
intraocular foreign bodies; 5. Decreased visual acuity; 6. Esotropia, exotropia,
ptosis; 7. Glaucoma; 8. Herpetic keratitis; 9. Orbital cellulitis; 10.
Retinopathy of prematurity; 11. Significant eye trauma manifested by hyphema,
extraocular muscle palsy, globe penetration, or orbital fracture; 12. White
pupillary reflex.
4. Understand how various signs of ophthalmic pathology may be
manifestations of systemic disorders.
1.
Retinal hemorrhages (child abuse); 2. Iritis (collagen vascular disease); 3.
Cataracts (metabolic disorders); 4. Papilledema (increased intracranial
pressure); 5. Chorioretinitis (congenital infections)
5. Understand the pediatrician's role in preventing ophthalmic injury or
disorders in children:
1.
Importance of protective eye wear for sports, chemical splashes, ultraviolet
light exposure and other activities which warrant eye protection. ; 2. Routine
screening for visual acuity and eye disorders in the newborn nursery, office and
school setting.
