August is Amblyopia Month - Kids With Lazy Eye Syndrome

Hello viewers.,

I'm attaching a media press release with medical information that I thought many would be interested in reading. I know many of you are not in Florida, but the information is helpful to all. 

Enjoy your August,

Tania

The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) and the For Eye Care Foundation (FECF) have launched an educational campaign recognizing August 2022 as “Amblyopia Awareness Month”. The goal is to bring awareness about the importance and need for early vision screenings that can detect serious vision problems such as Amblyopia, a vision issue more commonly referred to as “lazy eye”.

Amblyopia is the most common, yet preventable, cause of permanent vision loss in children. In Florida, fewer than 20 percent of preschool children are currently screened for vision problems.

“Early childhood screenings are key to ensuring that no child has to lose their vision due to a detectable and preventable issue, especially as many forms of amblyopia are difficult to detect without a screening,” said Joseph T. Nezgoda, MD, MBA, President of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. “Our efforts this month echo our mission- to educate parents and guardians on these common eye issues and ensure they are empowered to ask questions, seek help and ensure that the best eye care possible is provided to their children.”

During Florida’s 2022 legislative session, the Florida Senate approved a resolution that would recognize August as “Amblyopia Awareness Month” in Florida. The resolution also seeks to promote statewide preschool vision screenings, with the goal of testing all children between 3 and 5 years of age.

“I am proud to support the education efforts of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and the For Eye Care foundation- the health of our children is critical, and we must ensure that Florida’s parents and guardians are educated and informed so they can make the best decision possible for their children,” said Senator Lori Berman, sponsor of resolution.

Early vision screenings are the greatest tool parents have at their disposal. The detection of amblyopia and other vision threatening disorders like retinoblastoma tumors, cataracts, and strabismus in early childhood increases the chances of successful treatment, especially if the disorder is detected before a child reaches 5 years of age. Vision screenings can be done by a child’s pediatrician or ophthalmologist and physicians recommend starting at 12-months, repeating every few years.

To learn more about the FSO’s efforts, visit: mdeye.org/amblyopia

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com