20% of School-Aged Children Fail Eye Exams And Need Further Evaluation, NY City
A brochure - also available in English and Spanish - informs parents and caregivers about a common childhood eye condition known as Amblyopia (am-blee-OH-pee-ah) and about the importance of early and regular vision screenings for children. Amblyopia, the medical name for "lazy eye," affects 2-3% of children in New York City and, if left untreated, can cause blindness in the underused eye.
"Vision screening and follow-up can prevent serious eye problems," said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. "The signs a child might be experiencing vision problems are not always obvious but may include squinting or closing one eye when reading, constant or excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes, a cloudy appearance in the pupil of the eye, or frequent headaches. Too many students who fail their vision screening do not see an eye doctor. It is critical that these children be seen by a licensed eye doctor, who can determine the best corrective actions to take."
"As we continue to help our children learn and achieve their full potential, we must make sure that our students can read what's in their books and what's on the blackboard," Chancellor Joel I. Klein said. "Vision screenings provide an effective means to fulfill that critical goal and we encourage our children to receive these routine but important eye exams and follow-up."
Amblyopia may be caused by misaligned or "crossed" eyes or be having one eye that is much weaker than the other. In response, the brain turns off one eye to avoid double vision. Eventually the stronger eye is the only one used and the weaker eye does not develop. Amblyopia can also be caused by cataracts (cloudiness in the eye tissue). Although this is less common, it is a more serious form of the condition. Eye testing is often the only way to identify children at risk for amblyopia. To make sure that children at risk for amblyopia see an eye doctor, DOHMH has set up a follow-up unit to contact parents and encourage them to take their child for evaluation and treatment.
Vision screenings are routinely offered to all students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st - 3rd grade, 5th, 7th and 10th grade. Students in kindergarten and first grade are screened for amblyopia, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and color blindness. For information on children's eye exams, call 311.
http://www.nyc.gov
20% din Scoala de vârstã copii Fail oculare Examene ºi necesitã o evaluare ulterioarã, NY City - 20% of School-Aged Children Fail Eye Exams And Need Further Evaluation, NY City - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate