Help Create More
Star Pupils in Our Lives
Prevent Blindness America
has screened the eyes of
210,540
children so far this year.
Star Pupils
is the signature vision and
education platform of
Prevent Blindness America.
Signs of Children's Vision Problems
If one or more of these signs appear, take your child to an eye doctor right away.
Tags: Are Some Children More Likely to Have Eye Problems?
Yes. Your child's doctor should be aware of the following factors that may make your child more likely to develop a vision problem:
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood.
Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid.
Strabismus
Strabismus is a deviation of the eyes. The term is used to describe eyes that are not straight or properly aligned.
Refractive Errors
A refractive error is a defect in the optics of the eye that results in a lack of precise focus of the light rays of the retina, causing a blurred image.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error. The curvature of the cornea and/or lens prevents light rays from focusing on a single point on the retina, resulting in a blurred image.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia is a refractive error. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short. The reduced length means the point of focus lies beyond the back wall of the eye, and light rays are not yet in focus when they arrive at the retina.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia is a refractive error. Myopic or nearsighted people generally can see near objects clearly, but distant objects are out of focus.
Your Child's Glasses
Whether your child's glasses are for close up or distance vision, it's important that he or she wear them exactly as prescribed by the eye doctor. You may want to tell your child's teachers or other adult guardians that your child needs glasses to see well and should be wearing them at school or away from home.
How will an eye doctor treat my child's eye problem?
Eye care professionals use many different treatments to correct a child's eye problems. These treatments may be used alone or in combination.
Children's Vision Screening
Why do children need vision screenings?
Young children with vision problems often do not know that the way they see the world is not the way everyone sees it. Yet vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers. They also affect one in four school children.
Prevent Blindness America Certified Vision Screeners
To become a Prevent Blindness certified vision screener, individuals must complete a vision screening training program developed by Prevent Blindness America.
Our Vision for Children's Vision - Forward
Can it be possible that in a civilized country like our own, one in which the most scientific methods are supposed to be in use, babies are allowed to lose their eyes when they might have been saved?
Our Vision for Children's Vision - Introduction
Healthy People 2010 Goal
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established a framework for prevention for the nation.
Color Blindness
The correct name for color blindness is color vision deficiency. Color vision deficiency is a term used to describe a number of different problems people have with color vision. These problems may range from a slight difficulty in telling different shades of a color apart to not being able to identify any color.
Helping Hints for Dealing with Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
1. Educate!
If your child is old enough, explain the seriousness of her vision problem and the consequences of not following the prescribed treatment plan.
2. Decorate patches!
Kids love to be special. Decorate your child's patches with crayons, markers, stickers, sequins. Draw holiday patches and designs. Have fun and encourage your child to participate.
3. Read!
There are a number of good children's books on amblyopia. Check at your local library.
