Vision screening is a good beginning to eye care. A screening does not replace a professional examination, but it can help identify those at risk for eye disorders. Finding eye disorders in their early treatable stages save SIGHT!

Vision problems affects 1 in 20 children under age 5, and 1 in 4 school-age children. More than 72% of American preschool children have never had a complete eye exam. Untreated eye problems can worsen and lead to more serious problems, as well as affect children's learning abilities, athletic performance, and self-esteem.

Amblyopia, or "lazy eye", is the leading cause of monocular blindness. Basically, one eye focuses better that the other. When this happens, one eye becomes stronger and over powers the image from the other eye. If this condition persists, the weaker eye may become useless, leading to blindness.

With early detection and treatment, the sight in the "lazy eye" can be restored. If not treated, the eye may never develop good vision and become functionally blind.

Amblyopia, often gives no warning signs, and it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without you being aware of it.

Treatment for Amblyopia:

• Patching or covering the good eye, so that it forces the weaker one to work
• Glasses
• Eye exercises
• Surgery on eye muscles

Vision screenings are a good beginning to eye care. A screening does not replace a professional examination, but it can help identify those at risk for eye disorders. Finding eye disorders in their early treatable stages can save SIGHT!