The Importance of Vision Screening

It is highly important that vision screening begin at a very early age. Although an infant may not yet be able to read, it is possible through appropriate screening to detect problems with their eyes which, if left undetected, could result in eventual blindness. Many states require that a child's vision be tested prior to their starting school. One of the conditions that is commonly found in infants is Strabismus, a condition which involves the muscles of the eyes. If left untreated, Strabismus can lead to eventual blindness.

If found early in an infant's life, treatment can be started. Usually your child's pediatrician will notice a problem with eye muscles and refer the child to an Opthamologist, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions and diseases. Vision screening should continue on a yearly basis for all those who have been diagnosed with vision problems. A person's vision can change rapidly so it is important that individuals seek help if they notice in vision such as blurred vision, double vision, or an inability to focus their eyes.

In addition to having one's vision checked, a trained eye doctor (an optometrist or an opthamologist) will look for certain conditions that cannot be seen without dilation of the eyes and the use of specialized equipment. Some of these conditions can be treated such as glaucoma. Some can be managed once diagnosed. When managed under the guidance of an eye doctor, some conditions such as macular degeneration can prevent blindness. It is important for everyone to treat their vision as what it is, one of the major senses. If this sense is taken away due to lack of correct screening and treatment, it is extremely difficult to replace.