Vision problems often undetected in young children, AOA warns

Few adults recognize the link between vision problems and learning difficulties in children, according to a recent survey. Only 8% of adults recognized that vision problems are a leading cause of children’s difficulties in school in a survey by the American Optometric Association and the Vision Council of America.

According to an AOA press release, a study in the Kentucky school system that found 1 in 7 children needed vision correction. An additional 3.4% had amblyopia and 2.3% had strabismus. Further, only 31% of children 6 to 16 years of age and 14% of children under 6 years of age have had eye exams during the previous year, the AOA press release stated.

Vision problems may go unrecognized because most children receive vision screenings rather than comprehensive eye exams, according to the AOA.