CHICAGO – Because two out of three children in the United States do not receive critical eye care services before the age of six, many children are at risk of suffering vision loss. Without a certified vision screening or eye exam, a child may have serious undetected vision problems. Since so much of learning is processed visually, eye disorders can have a tremendous effect on a child’s performance in the classroom.
Prevent Blindness America has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in an effort to educate the public on the importance of quality eye care. Some potentially blinding eye diseases and conditions can be detected early in life. Prevent Blindness America recommends children have their vision checked at infancy, 6 months, 3 years and 5 years, with follow-ups as needed.
In an attempt to bridge the gap for access to proper eye care, Prevent Blindness America helped to develop the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007.” The legislation would provide funding for eye exams and follow-up care for qualified children. Bills were introduced at the federal level in both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this year. Prevent Blindness America and other leading vision health groups are hoping to have the legislation passed within the coming weeks.
“We already know that one in 20 preschool children has a vision problem. What we need to do now is to develop programs to provide children in need with the professional eye care they deserve,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “We ask everyone to contact their representatives and urge their support for vision services.”
Eye problems can range from common refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, to serious eye disease. Possible vision conditions in children include:
Amblyopia or “lazy eye” - the most common cause of visual impairment in children. As the brain develops and receives diminished images from the affected eye, it begins to suppress those images and favor the unaffected eye. If this condition persists, the weaker eye may become useless. Amblyopia becomes more difficult to treat effectively as the child becomes older.
Strabismus or “crossed eyes” – condition where eyes are misaligned, or do not line up with each other. This problem is caused when the muscles do not work together. Strabismus may eventually lead to amblyopia. Approximately one in 50 children has strabismus.
Congenital Cataract – a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks light needed for sight. Some cataracts are present at birth or can develop during the first few months or years of life. In many cases, the cause is unknown. In older children, cataracts are often related to eye injuries. Depending on the severity of the cataract, surgery may be required. Approximately 0.4 percent of all children are born with cataracts in one or both eyes.
Congenital Glaucoma – a group of diseases that diminishes peripheral vision. Children born with the disease may have symptoms such as cloudy eyes, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Most cases of congenital glaucoma require surgery. According to the International Glaucoma Association, it is present in one in 10,000 births.
Find out how you can take action on the Vision Care for Kids Act.
Download this press release.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
|
