Vision screens aim to identify children who are at risk for vision issues. What is one possible outcome if a vision problem is not addressed early?

If a vision problem is not addressed early, one possible outcome is an increased likelihood of long-term vision impairment. Early detection and treatment of vision issues are crucial because the visual system develops significantly during childhood. If problems such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye) are not identified and treated promptly, they can lead to permanent visual defects.

When a child experiences an untreated vision issue, their brain may not fully develop the necessary visual pathways, potentially resulting in significant and lasting impairments in sight. In some cases, this can affect their ability to learn and function in daily activities, which can have lifelong consequences. Therefore, proactive measures through vision screenings and subsequent interventions are essential to ensure optimal visual development.