Dec 15, 2014: According to recommendations by National Center for Children's Vision Health, US, children between age 36 and 72 months -should get their vision screened every year. The recommendation comes after the revelation that many children with early eye problems do not get appropriate screening to identify for correcting refractive error (vision problems requiring glasses), amblyopia ('lazy eye') and strabismus (a disorder of eye alignment).
An earlier study conducted by Advance Eye Hospital and Institute, Navi Mumbai by Dr Vandana Jain revealed that eye problems in kids is on the rise. The study noted that almost 20% of all school children suffer from diminished vision. Now-a-days, use of computers and smart phones are not new to kids. Further, outdoor gaming zones and indoor video games contribute to deterioration of their eye health. Being too young to realise their problem, most of the kids refuse to wear glasses or visit an ophthalmologist, which affects their performance at school. Therefore, kids need to get their vision checked before entering school. Quick diagnosis and referral to an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) can have major implications for school readiness and child development, the authors said. (Read: How can I get rid of my spectacles?)
According to the study authors evidence-based test methods followed by effective referral and follow-up can help identify eye problems in kids immediately. 'Unfortunately, many children receive neither appropriate screening to help identify those who need immediate eye attention, nor a comprehensive examination by an eye care professional prior to beginning school,' said Anthony Adams, editor-in-chief of Optometry and Vision Science that published the study. (Read: 5 common vision problems your child could suffer from)
(Read: Eye problems in children)
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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