Infants and young children are not immune to eye disorders. Amblyopia, poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood, causes problems in very early life. Early vision screening is important for our young people to ensure that their eyes receive immediate treatment if problems are found. Also, myopia, or nearsighted-ness, affects 15 percent of those entering high school. Many occupations and forms of recreation can present dangers to the eye.
Eye protection is a necessity when jobs create the possibility of eye injury.
Wearing protective eyewear when playing sports can cut down on eye injury by as much as 90 percent, and wearing eye protection when working in the yard can also reduce the number of serious eye injuries. The best way to detect eye diseases and disorders is through a dilated eye exam. Many eye problems can be prevented or reversed with early detection and appropriate intervention. There are many other ways we can help reduce vision disorders. We can make healthy lifestyle choices for ourselves and our families, clinicians can emphasize prevention in their practices, and scientists can pursue new treatments and preven-tion strategies through research.