Leading expert in pediatric ophthalmology and rare eye diseases, Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD, explains modern approaches to childhood vision problems including myopia prevention, digital eye strain risks, allergic conjunctivitis, premature infant retinal issues, and genetic testing for rare ocular conditions. As Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Paris and head of multiple national research centers, she brings decades of clinical experience treating complex pediatric eye disorders.
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Pediatric Eye Care Advances: Myopia Prevention, Digital Risks & Rare Disease Diagnosis
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- Pediatric Ophthalmology Expertise
- Childhood Myopia Prevention
- Digital Eye Strain Risks
- Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
- Premature Infant Retinal Care
- Genetic Testing for Eye Diseases
- Research Leadership
- Full Transcript
Pediatric Ophthalmology Expertise
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD, is a globally recognized authority in pediatric eye care with specialized training in maxillofacial surgery. As Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Paris, she leads the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, France's premier children's medical center.
Her clinical focus spans anterior segment disorders, corneal injuries, ocular surface diseases, strabismus (eye misalignment), and oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Bremond-Gignac's dual surgical expertise allows comprehensive treatment of complex childhood eye conditions requiring both functional and cosmetic correction.
Childhood Myopia Prevention
Modern myopia control strategies form a key focus of Dr. Bremond-Gignac's practice. With childhood nearsightedness rates rising globally, she emphasizes evidence-based interventions including specialized contact lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops, and outdoor activity protocols.
"We now understand myopia isn't just about glasses - it's about slowing eyeball elongation that leads to high prescriptions," explains Dr. Bremond-Gignac. Her research contributes to international guidelines on preventing severe myopia complications like retinal detachment in adulthood.
Digital Eye Strain Risks
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD, warns about emerging threats from prolonged 3D and virtual reality device use in children. "Developing visual systems face unique risks from digital overexposure," she notes, citing studies linking excessive screen time to accommodative spasms and binocular vision dysfunction.
Her clinic implements the 20-20-20 rule (20-second breaks every 20 minutes) and recommends blue light filtering for school-aged device users. Early intervention can prevent persistent eye strain symptoms and headaches in tech-exposed children.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
As a leading specialist in ocular surface diseases, Dr. Bremond-Gignac treats thousands of pediatric allergic conjunctivitis cases annually. "Many parents mistake allergy symptoms for infections," she observes, emphasizing differential diagnosis through tear film analysis and allergen testing.
Her treatment protocols combine preservative-free antihistamine drops with cold compresses and environmental modification. For severe cases, she pioneered immunotherapy approaches adapted specifically for pediatric patients.
Premature Infant Retinal Care
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a critical focus area for Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD. At Necker Hospital's Level IV NICU, she implements advanced screening protocols using wide-field digital imaging to detect vascular abnormalities in preterm infants.
"Timing is everything with ROP - we can prevent blindness with laser or anti-VEGF injections at precise developmental windows," she explains. Her work has improved survival rates for infants born as early as 24 weeks gestation.
Genetic Testing for Eye Diseases
Through the OPHTARA Rare Eye Diseases Center, Dr. Bremond-Gignac integrates next-generation genetic sequencing into pediatric ophthalmology practice. "Over 500 genes cause inherited eye disorders," she notes, highlighting how molecular diagnosis informs prognosis and family planning.
Her team coordinates France's SENSGENE network, accelerating diagnosis for conditions like congenital cataracts and retinal dystrophies through shared genomic databases and telemedicine consults.
Research Leadership
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD, directs two national research centers (CLAIROP and OPHTARA) while chairing ERN-EYE, Europe's rare eye disease reference network. With 160+ peer-reviewed publications, her work spans clinical trials for novel myopia treatments to surgical innovations in pediatric corneal transplantation.
As former President of the European Association for Vision and Eye Research, she continues shaping international standards for childhood vision preservation. "Every child deserves optimal sight - our research makes that possible even in complex cases," affirms Dr. Bremond-Gignac.
Full Transcript
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Hello from Paris! We are with Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, a world-renowned pediatric ophthalmologist and eye doctor for children. She is also trained in maxillofacial surgery. We are going to discuss important topics about vision in children today.
Modern methods to prevent and treat nearsightedness, or myopia, in children. How 3-D and virtual reality viewing devices can damage the eyes of kids. We will talk about allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye, both very common problems. We will discuss retinal problems in prematurely born babies. We will also talk about genetic tests to find the causes of rare eye disorders.
Let me first give you some highlights of the professional career of Professor Dominique Bremond-Gignac. Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Paris and Head of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris.
Clinical and research interests of Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac include diagnosis and treatment of pediatric eye disease, especially in the anterior segment, corneal injury, ocular surface, strabismus, and plastic surgery of the anatomical area around the eyes.
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac is an executive member of the World Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology Society. She was the 2021 President of the European Association for Vision and Eye Research.
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac heads two national French eye disease research centers: the CLAIROP Research Clinical Center and the OPHTARA Rare Eye Diseases Center (SENSGENE). She is also Chief of ERN-EYE, a European Reference Network dedicated to rare eye diseases.
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac has authored and co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed publications in international medical journals. She published over 50 book chapters on eye disease treatment and presented numerous talks at international conferences on eye disease research and treatment.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, hello and welcome!
Dr. Dominique Bremond-Gignac, MD: Hello, Dr. Anton Titov. Thank you for this presentation.