Children with autism far less likely to have vision screening despite high risk of serious eye disorders

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are much less likely to receive vision screening than their peers, despite high risk for serious eye disorders, according to a study by Nemours Children’s Health published in Pediatrics.

The study found that only 36.5% of children with autism spectrum disorder had completed vision screenings at well visits, substantially less than the 59.5% rate for children without autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, among children with autism spectrum disorder, the screening rate for Black children was considerably lower than that for White children and for children classified as multiracial.

Early childhood is crucial for vision development, and early detection and treatment of eye problems can prevent long-term vision loss. The research team examined data from 63,829 well visits of children ages 3 to 5, across a primary care network encompassing Delaware, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Researchers said that the Florida facilities had much higher rates of vision screening for kids with autism spectrum disorder than those in the Delaware and Pennsylvania. They noted that 80% of Florida medical practices used the vision-testing method of photoscreening, compared to only 13% in the Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Photoscreening, which uses a specialized camera or video system to capture detailed images of a child’s eyes, is particularly helpful for children with autism spectrum disorder because they cannot always understand and verbally respond to instructions or questions in conventional visual acuity tests. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual instrument-based vision screening particularly for children with developmental delays.

So the authors concluded that Increased use of photoscreening may prove to be a great tool for reducing disparities and increasing vision screening in more vulnerable populations with autism.

Reference:

Children with autism far less likely to have vision screening despite high risk of serious eye disorders, JOURNAL PEDIATRICS