USC study -- largest of its kind -- finds older children more likely to develop vision...(halmology at the Keck School These study...),Health

Date:11/15/2007

halmology at the Keck School, These study results fill an important gap in our knowledge base regarding the magnitude of strabismus and amblyopia in infants and young children, as well as our understanding of age-related differences in these children. MEPEDS results will likely impact the development of vision screening programs and health-care policy.

This population-based, multi-phased study began in January 2004. With the Inglewood portion of the study completed, USC researchers are now conducting vision screenings in Southern Californias Riverside County. When these screenings are completed, children in the Southern California community of Monterey Park will be assessed. The population for the Riverside and Monterey Park screenings will be Asian American and non-Hispanic White children ages six months to six years. All MEPEDS phases will be completed by 2011, at which time more than 12,000 youngsters will have been screened for strabismus, amblyopia, and other vision conditions including astigmatism as well as near and farsightedness.

This study, supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health, provides new information on the development and extent of eye diseases among infants and preschool children from two major ethnic groups in the United States African-American and Latinos," says Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NEI. "The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to reduce the burden of visual impairment on children, their families, and society as a whole.

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Contact: Meghan Lewit lewit@usc.edu 323-442-3576 University of Southern California Source:Eurekalert

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