SAN FRANCISCO -- As parents and students gear up for another school year of pop quizzes, midterm tests and book reports, there is another important test for children to pass: an eye screening.

September is Children's Eye Health and Safety month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends vision screening for all children three years and older, as well as screening infants for common eye problems during regular pediatric appointments.

One out of every 20 children between 3- and 5-years-old has a condition that could be vision-threatening, if left untreated, according to Stuart Dankner, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist in Baltimore.

"Vision problems can be corrected and the effects reversed if identified and treated early," said Dr. Dankner. "If visual symptoms or other risk factors are found during vision screening, the child should then be referred to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive examination."

For example, amblyopia (commonly known as lazy eye) is the leading cause of treatable blindness in children. "The earlier it is detected and treated, the better chance of preventing permanent vision loss," Dr. Dankner said.

In addition to lazy eye, other conditions an eye care professional will look for are:
-- strabismus (crossed eyes)
-- ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
-- color deficiency (color blindness)
-- refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)

"Aside from vision-threatening conditions, eye screenings for kids are vital because vision changes can occur without a child or parent realizing it," Dr. Dankner said. "If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or the words in a book, learning, as well as participating in recreational activities, will suffer."

Eye Injuries a Leading Cause of Vision Loss for Children

Dr. Dankner also cautions parents to look out for other potential risks to the eye health of their children.

"Be sure that the toys your child plays with are appropriate for his or her age and maturity levels. Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts," he said. "Sports also could endanger your child's eyes. There are an estimated 42,000 sports-related eye injuries annually, and the majority of them happen to children. So make sure he or she wears appropriate protective eyewear."

Set a Good Example

Dr. Dankner suggests parents always wear protective eye gear when playing sports, working in the yard, using harsh chemicals or working on the car.
"Do not use or allow children to use fireworks," he said. "Set a good example. Have eye exams at recommended intervals. It shows your child that his or her body is worth taking care of and that preventive medicine is the best medicine."