May 12, 2005 -- Visual Impairment in U.S. Children

Visual impairment limits the range and kinds of information to which a child is exposed, and visually impaired children are at risk of developmental disabilities, making it important that ocular conditions be found and treated even before a child begins school, according to a report on the prevalence of childhood visual impairment in the May 6 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The National Eye Institute in the National Institutes of Health analyzed data from a survey that asked parents whether children in the family had ever been tested for vision problems; had seen an optimist, ophmalogist, or eye doctor during the preceding year; or had trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. The survey also asked if children regularly wear eye-protective gear when engaging in such activities as baseball, basketball, or mowing the lawn. Despite a national health objective aimed at increasing the number of preschool children who receive vision screening, only 36 percent of children under the age of six years had ever had their vision tested, the survey found. The survey did not report the percentages of children up to 18 years of age who have had their vision tested, though the report notes that vision problems often do not surface until children start school. The survey did find that 21 percent of children in the older age groups had seen an eye care provider during the preceding year. On the question of whether they wear protective eyewear when engaging in sports or other activities that can cause eye injuries, only 14 percent of children ages 6-17 years who participate in such activities used any eye protection. The report concluded that “A substantial percentage of visually impaired children have their vision improved with eyeglasses or surgery if their conditions are diagnosed in a timely manner.” The report, “Visual Impairment and Use of Eye-Care Services and Protective Eyewear Among Children—United States, 2002,” can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.