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Taylar awoke as she did every morning, to a world fuzzy in one eye. With that eye she is unable to distinguish the leaves on the trees or the pictures in the books her school teacher reads. Taylar does not realize that her vision is abnormal because her other eye works well. Taylar is three years old, so she is unable to communicate to her parents about her difficulties.
Taylar suffers from amblyopia (lazy eye) and is part of an estimated 300,000 to 750,000 children aged 3 to 5 who have this disorder, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). The NEI also estimates 2.3 million preschool-aged children have an eye disorder that will result in permanent vision loss if not identified and treated.
A united ophthalmology expressed their alarm over the number of children who do not receive vision screenings.
With the National Eye Institute estimating that only one in five preschoolers are screened, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have joined forces to spread the word that a simple vision screening is the first step in identifying common eye disorders that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Amblyopia, the most common disorder, has no warning signs.
“Amblyopia is the most important eye disorder in children because of its prevalence, and early detection through a vision screening is essential to restoring sight for these kids,” says pediatric ophthalmologist Michael Repka, MD, American Academy of Ophthalmology secretary for federal affairs. “Treatment outcomes are excellent for the majority of children. The results of new clinical testing on treating amblyopia with glasses will be announced this summer.”
Vision loss from amblyopia is caused when the eye does not properly focus on an image. One eye may be stronger than the other, so it develops normally, but the weaker eye develops abnormal vision.
Because the stronger eye overcompensates, there are often no warning signs that a problem exists.
There are three treatment options usually prescribed for children with amblyopia:
- Glasses. Help focus the image seen by the retina. The brain responds to this improved quality stimulus by repairing itself, which over time, may lead to restored healthy vision.
- Patching. Sometimes ophthalmologists will patch the good eye, making the child use the weaker eye. The patching, which is carefully monitored, helps strengthen the weaker eye and restore normal vision. Patching is often used along with glasses.
- Atropine eye drops. These prescription drops can be used by physicians to blur the good eye, forcing the patient to use the weaker one, which results in it being strengthened.*
“We can improve vision for almost all patients,” says Dr. Repka. “More than 80 percent of patients are restored to the normal range of vision through one or more of the three treatments, while most of the rest improve to some extent.”
Thanks to Taylar’s problem being identified by a vision screening at her pediatrician’s office, she was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist who treated her amblyopia. Now Taylar can see the individual leaves on the trees, the small print on the chalk board and enjoys perfect vision thanks to early detection and treatment.
“Screenings are safe, inexpensive, comprehensive and smart; they catch problems this year that weren’t there last year,” says Christie Morse, MD, president of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. “If a problem is identified through a screening, the child is referred to an eye care provider [an ophthalmologist or optometrist] for a comprehensive eye exam and treatment. Parents can play a part in their children’s academic success by ensuring they get a vision screening.”
Children can get their eyes screened by their family physician, pediatrician, nurses or trained lay screeners. Those without access can contact their local health department for support.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus support serial children’s vision screenings.
ED. NOTE: Drs. Michael Repka and Christie Morse are available for media interviews and to share case stories from their pediatric ophthalmology practices. Taylar and her family are also available to share their story with the press.
*Atropine drops are not an FDA approved treatment for amblyopia.