In France, one in six children develops vision problems, or around 620,000 children under 5 years old. Screening children for visual disorders is important from the first few months. These checks will make it possible to treat vision problems more quickly and improve the quality of vision in adulthood.
Importance of early vision screening in children
THE early detection of visual disorders in children is of crucial importance for several reasons. First of all, it allows prevent amblyopia as well as other visual complications that may arise. Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, affects nearly 4% of children and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early. Identifying and treating vision problems from an early age allowsensure eye health optimal throughout its life
In addition, visual pathologies in children, such as refractive, strabismic or anatomical disorders, affect approximately 10% of children under 6 years of age. Certain risk factors, such as family history of eye pathologies or prematurity, can increase the likelihood of developing visual problems. Thus, early detection of visual disorders in children is essential to guarantee a cognitive development and optimal social and to prevent long-term complications.
Recommended vision screening methods
Early detection of visual disorders in children is based on recommended methods to identify and effectively treat vision problems as soon as they appear. These methods include a visual examination by a health professional from birth, as well as the use of screening tools adapted to each age group.
The French recommendations, issued by the High Authority for Health and the French-speaking Association of Strabology and Pediatric Ophthalmology, underline the importance of early treatment for improve the detection of visual disorders in children. The health record guides the screening schedule, recommending eye exams at specific intervals.
- Before 4 months: Observation of any abnormalities and signs such as strabismus, nystagmus. The control makes it possible to detect behaviors indicating a visual disorder.
- From 6 months to verbal age: Note any tendency of the child to bump, fall often, squint or make faces. Observe possible indifference to those around you.
- Between 2 and 5 years: In addition to the previous signs, watch for a delay in language acquisition, slowness of execution, fatigability or dyspraxia.
- In older children: Watch for signs of reading too closely, poor distance vision, letter confusion, reading fatigue, headaches, blinking and squinting, and eye redness and stinging.
The consequences of not screening children for visual disorders
In the absence of screening for visual disorders in children, until 30% of cases can develop amblyopia. May affect their development, learning and quality of life in adulthood. The economic and societal repercussions are also significant. Many diagnoses are still too late, prevention must be more systematic with parents and in schools.
The increasing use of digital media among children is associated with an increase in myopia. It is crucial to follow the recommendations for using screens and adopt healthy eye habits. Measurements revolve around an appropriate distance from the device and ensuring adequate lighting. A child can wear glasses from 6 months old.
Sources
– Screening for visual disorders in children. sante.gouv.fr. Accessed April 8, 2024.
– Screening for visual disorders in children. ante.gouv.fr. Accessed April 9, 2024.
