Earlier vision testing enables treatment when it is still effective. Most American children get their first full vision examination when they start school and are old enough to read an eye chart. The best age to detect and treat such conditions is between one and three years. Refractive errors, astigmatism, cataracts and strabismus can lead to amblyopia, which is a loss of vision caused by uneven strength of the eyes. Amblyopia is treatable if caught early.
Treatment involves wearing glasses, patching the eye, eye drops, or surgery.
Children who receive early treatment often go on to enjoy a lifetime of good vision. However, if treatment is not started early, vision damage is permanent and can even lead to blindness. In fact, amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular blindness today. It is an insidious condition. Without early and proper treatment, it can produce a lifetime visual disability.