Amazing Advances in Eye Care
The tumor near Maddie Bender’s optic nerve behind her right eye requires vigilant management
by Richard W. Hertle, MD, Children’s chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
For years, that meant she had to be injected with a dye before being sedated for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a routine that was followed every few months.
Several years ago, however, Children’s acquired Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT), a kind of computer that allows specialists to analyze the optic nerve by looking directly into the eye. “Early intervention is critical, and OCT allows us to diagnose tumors early — before vision is affected — and that means we can move in to prevent vision loss,” says Dr. Hertle. If the tumor is malignant, chemotherapy or radiation may be prescribed.
In addition to being an exceptionally valuable diagnostic tool, OCT is less invasive, and Maddie is a happier patient. “We’re so grateful for the medical advances being made at Children’s,” says Maddie’s mother, Cheryl.