Aug 7, 2009 3 min read

Twenty percent of the nation’s preschoolers and one in four school-aged children have vision problems. Part of the problem is that young children often do not know that the way they see the world is not the way everyone sees it. The result is that far too many vision problems remain undetected in children. Without early treatment, vision conditions can lead to permanent vision loss and learning difficulties. Research also shows a correlation between undiagnosed vision problems in children and resulting behavioral/medical issues such as low self-esteem, attention deficit disorder, criminal activity, etc.

The Washington-Greene County Blind Association urges parents to follow a continuum of eye care that can include both vision screening and comprehensive eye exams at regular intervals. Any child who experiences vision problems or shows symptoms of eye trouble should receive a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

If you are planning to take your child to the eye doctor, here are some helpful tips.

n Schedule the appointment at a time of day when your child is not likely to be sleepy, hungry or cranky.

n Make a list of your questions and bring it with you. Take notes when speaking to the doctor, so that you can refer to them later.

n Have a plan ready for the waiting room. Bring a favorite book, small toy and/or snack to pass the time.

n Let your child watch a family member get an eye exam. Have the doctor explain what is being done, step-by-step, and encourage the child to ask questions.

n Bring your child’s favorite cuddly toy. The doctor can “examine” the bear or doll and holding a toy may keep little hands off of expensive equipment.

n Relax. Children look to adults for cues; if you seem nervous, your child may become anxious. A trip to the eye doctor should be fun for both of you.

The National Institute of Health and the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggest that eye exams be given by six months of age, at age three and at age six or before entering first grade. According to the AOA, two to four percent of American’s children develop conditions knows as strabismus and/or amblyopia.

Amblyopia is defined as reduced vision, usually in one eye only, without any evidence of a disease and which cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses. Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned, with one eye turning in, out, up or down.

Early detection and treatment of these disorders during childhood is essential for preventing or minimizing vision loss.

In 2008, the Washington-Greene County Blind Association screened over 1,500 children in their bi-county service area for symptoms of eye conditions and referred children with symptoms for a complete eye examination by an eye care physician. If you would like to have your child screened, or if you would like to schedule a preschool vision screening for a day care, nursery school or preschool, call 724-228-0770 for more information.

The Washington-Greene County Blind Association is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to aid and assist the blind; to promote the training, employment, education and rehabilitation of the blind; to supervise, to standardize and market blind-made products; and to prevent unnecessary blindness.

It is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.