The Future Looks Clear for Missouri First Grader

Although the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation's free vision screenings focus on detecting amblyopia, or "lazy eye," in children, they often uncover signs of other vision problems as well.

Six-year-old Emma of Lonedell, Mo. never displayed signs of vision problems to her family members or teachers. But after the Foundation detected a problem during a screening at her kindergarten center, her mother immediately took her to a doctor for a follow-up exam. Her diagnosis - farsightedness, astigmatism and anisometropia.

Emma's eye diseases were caused by a persistent papillary membrane in her left eye. The membrane, which can be present in newborns, supplies blood to the lens during development in the womb, but usually disappears soon after birth. Emma's remained six years later. In fact, the doctor reported her membrane was the biggest he had ever seen in a child Emma's age.

"Emma had quite a few health problems when she was little," said her mother, Leisa. "We didn't pay attention to her eyes since we were so focused on everything else. Once she was diagnosed, we learned the glaze on her eye could have caused a lot of her health issues."

Without treatment at a young age, Emma's condition may have become too difficult to correct. Today, she is wearing glasses and doing extremely well, although surgery may be necessary down the road. Leisa has seen a change as well - she noted Emma can read better than ever before and no longer sits close to the TV or rubs her eyes.

Remarked Leisa, "I think the screening program is awesome. If it wasn't in the school, we wouldn't be where we are today. I hope children continue to be screened, especially since many parents don't have the money or means to get their children checked out. By the time kids get to grade school, it's often too late."

Foundation screenings are offered at no cost to preschools, daycares and childcare providers across Missouri and to the families they serve. To schedule a free screening at your facility or event, contact the Foundation at 800-753-2265, ext. 8518.