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2019-03-28
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Policy Proposals
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Copyright (c) 2019 Timothy Fries
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Vision Disorders in Ohio’s Children Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams
Timothy Fries
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Abstract
Childhood vision loss is a significant public health problem. It is estimated that between 22-39% of all children suffer from a vision disorder.[1]–[3] Uncorrected refractive error is considered the leading cause of vision disorders in children.[4]–[6] Refractive errors when left uncorrected in children places them at higher risk for amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye turn).[7] An estimated 12.8 million children 5 to 15 years of age worldwide are affected by uncorrected refractive error.[8] The recognition of any refractive error in children is a major step in preventing childhood vision loss. Uncorrected refractive error can place significant burden on the individual. School-age children represent a particularly vulnerable group, as uncorrected refractive error may have a dramatic impact on learning capability and education potential. With almost a quarter of Ohio’s population under the age of 18, there are over 2.6 million children who are potentially affected.[9] What can the State of Ohio do to combat vision loss in children who live within its borders?
