When this happens one result may be amblyopia, or lazy eye. Amblyopia is responsible for more loss of vision in people under age 45 than all other eye diseases and trauma combined. Amblyopia begins to develop in early childhood, and if allowed to progress without treatment, can cause a permanent loss of vision. The earlier it is detected the greater the possibility of successful treatment. One of the primary goals of OBS is to reduce, and possibly eliminate, suffering resulting from ambylopia.
Refractive status refers to how the eye bends and focuses the light coming in.
If you have ever used a magnifying glass you know that the lens bends the light to make a larger image. If the lens is too close to the object you are looking at, or too far away, the image is not clear. The eyes focus the incoming light on the retina. The OBS doctor will use a variety of techniques to check the infant's acuity and refractive status. Acuity and refractive status will change as the infant grows and develops.