FOCUS On Children's Vision

Eyesight is the most precious and important of our senses. It helps us learn and discover the world more than all other senses combined. From the moment newborns first open their eyes, nerve cells begin making complicated connections from the eyes to the brain, building a network that will not be complete until the child is 6-8 years old.

Unfortunately, a number of problems can occur during these crucial developmental years that affect a child's vision and interfere with his or her learning. Be aware of the following vision problems common among children:

Amblyopia. Also knows as "lazy eye", amblyopia develops in young children and is characterized by unclear vision. Left undetected, amblyopia can cause a lifetime of visual disability. Amblyopia occurs in 5% of all children, affecting 60,000 young people each year in the United States. Unfortunately, children with poor vision in one eye may look and act perfectly normal. This is why regular eye examinations are recommended for all children, beginning at age three.

Astigmatism. This condition results primarily from an irregular shape of the front surface of the cornea (the transparent "window" at the front of the eye). Persons with astigmatism typically see vertical lines clearer than horizontal ones, or vice versa.

Color deficiency. Those with color deficiency (commonly called "color blindness") cannot distinguish between certain colors. An ophthalmologist can advise people on how to best deal with and adapt to this condition.

Strabismus. A misalignment of the eyes causes them to point in different directions. One eye may be directed straight ahead, while the other is turned inward, outward, upward or downward. This may be a constant or temporary problem. It can usually be detected simply by looking at the eye.

It is never too early to have your child's eyes examined. In fact, if the family has a history of eye disease or disorder, the infant's eyes should be examined as soon as possible. Especially in cases of amblyopia and strabismus, early detection and treatment is critical and should not be delayed until your child enters school. Occasionally, an underlying problem results from a cataract or even a tumor. Screening of school age children is advised every two years.

Through early detection and prompt treatment to vision problems, more children will be able to see the wonders of the world properly.

For more information about children's eye problems or to make an appointment, please call Ohio Eye Alliance at 1-800-423-6811.