There are many different eye conditions and diseases that can affect a child's vision. If an eye condition is suspected or if a child fails a vision screening, he or she should be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist to further evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment is so important to avoid lifelong visual impairments.
Some of the more common eye disorders and eye diseases are listed in the table below.
Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends eye exams for all children beginning in the newborn period and at all well-child visits. See the AAP policy statement, Visual
System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians, and the AAP clinical report, Procedures
for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians, for more information.