Infantile Hemangioma in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN

Infantile hemangioma is a type of red birthmark that is present at birth or appears within the first 1 – 2 weeks of an infant's life. It's made up of blood vessels that usually multiply and form a raised bump. The cluster continues to grow for 5 – 6 months, but by the baby's first birthday, it usually stops developing. Over the next few years, it will decrease in size and eventually disappear. An infantile hemangioma can appear almost anywhere on the body but most commonly arises on the face, scalp, chest, or back. If it develops on or near the eye, it can hinder vision by putting abnormal pressure on the eye and causing astigmatism. In many cases, surgical removal is unusually recommended to protect the eye and vision. Our ophthalmologists at Ticho Eye Associates specialize in pediatric ophthalmology and are highly trained in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. Reach out to our office in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN to learn more.

An infantile hemangioma can be treated with surgery, laser therapy, steroids, or beta-blocker medications. Treatment is usually determined by the age of the baby, the location of the birthmark, growth rate, and size of the hemangioma. If nonsurgical methods are used, routine eye exams will be scheduled to monitor the growth. During your initial consultation, we will discuss all the risks and benefits of these treatments to help you make a safe and effective choice for your baby's eye health.

If your baby has an infantile hemangioma near or on their eye, it's best to have it examined by one of our board-certified ophthalmologists. When this type of birthmark is present near the eye, it can cause serious damage to the ocular structures and vision. Contact Ticho Eye Associates in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN to book an appointment. We can perform a comprehensive infant eye exam to determine the best course of action.