Infants Being Screened For Vision Problems

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is estimated that one out of four children in the early years of school have problems with their vision.

Today most children's vision is screened starting at 3 years old with a picture chart, but its success is greatly dependent on the child's ability to cooperate and the screener's experience.

But, according to new information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a portable screening device to screen for vision problems in infants can be used as early as 6 months of age. They are called "photoscreeners" and had detection rates from 75 to 83%.

This new technology may allow earlier detection, and ultimately treatment, of vision problems.