Peer Reviewed
Practical procedures
Assessing vision in children
Abstract
The earlier a visual problem is detected and appropriately treated, the better the visual outcome. Tests that allow a visual assessment to be made in children from infancy to school age are discussed.
Key Points
The ability to accurately assess vision in children is a skill that is useful to all medical practitioners. Assessment may lead to the detection of amblyopia, strabismus, cataract, retinal abnormalities and retinoblastoma, as well as other visual disorders that distort or reduce vision. Diagnosis of these problems during childhood allows treatment to be started early to restore sight within the timeframe that visual development is still occurring, thus preventing permanent visual loss.
This guide to assessing vision in children outlines the most appropriate visual tests to use in children of various ages and will help health professionals choose the most appropriate methods of vision assessment.
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