488 Freedom Plains Road - Suite 137 Poughkeepsie, New York 12603 Ph: 845 471-7400 Fax: 845 471-7531

Having two young children himself Dr. Earle prides himself in taking care of the entire family including infants, toddlers, and school-age children

The American Optometric Association recommends children that have straight eyes & are asymptomatic be seen at the following stages:

1st exam - 6 months of age
2nd exam - 3 years of age
3rd exam - Before 1st grade
Then as directed by your eye doctor

Why?

“Lazy eye” can exist even in children with straight eyes and can lead to permanent sight loss if not treated by the critical age that varies from six to eight years of age.

What is it?

The brain and eyes work together to produce vision. Amblyopia is the medical term for poor vision that occurs when the brain ignores one or both eyes. The eye itself looks normal, but it is not being ignored by the brain to varying degrees.

Amblyopia is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment that begins in childhood. If treatment is not initiated before the critical age period has past it can not be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

Amblyopia is diagnosed with a routine eye exam. Children are not symptomatic because this is how their vision has always been since birth. Early treatment is usually simple, employing glasses, medicated drops, patching, and occasionally surgery.

Eighty percent of everything a child learns is through his or her visual system. Remember vision screenings at school or by the pediatrician are
Not comprehensive vision examinations.