Why Preschool Vision Screening?

The first few years of a child’s life are critical in the development of good vision. Preschoolers should have their vision checked for issues such as misaligned eyes, and problems that need correction with eyeglasses. These problems are not always evident by simply looking at a child. Young children often compensate for vision problems so well that parents, teachers, and pediatricians are unaware of a problem. By the time a child is old enough to be in primary grades, many of these common vision-robbing conditions can no longer be effectively treated. Amblyopia can develop when an undetected vision problem goes untreated during a child’s formative years. 

How is Vision Screening Done?

 Vision Screening is as simple as having your child’s picture taken. LASH uses a Welsh Allyn SPOT screener, a vision screening device which detects vision problems. It takes only moments per child, requires no physical contact with the child, and causes no discomfort.

Amblyopia is the medical term used when the vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye itself looks normal, but it is not being used normally because the brain is favoring the other eye. This condition is also sometimes called lazy eye. Amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in children. However, amblyopia is preventable if detected early. 

Amblyopia can result from any condition that prevents the eye from focusing clearly. Vision conditions that can result in amblyopia include: 

• Unequal refraction (Anisometropia)
• Crossed eyes (Strabismus) 
• Pupil sizes deviations in both eyes (Anisocoria)
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia) 
• Corneal irregularities (Astigmatism)
• Nearsightedness (Myopia) 

• Poor academic performance (80% of a child’s learning comes through his or her visual system) 
• Low self-esteem 
• Limited social and sports involvement 
• Behavioral problems (7 out of 10 juvenile delinquents have an undiagnosed vision problem)

 The results of a child’s vision screening will be provided to the child’s parents or guardian. It’s important possible vision problem is detected, we urged parents or guardian to take their child to pediatric ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination.