title: Visual problems in children.
abstract: The importance of early diagnosis of visual problems in children cannot be overemphasized. The prevention of deprivation amblyopia, a condition where the development of normal vision may be permanently arrested by the unrecognized presence of a cataract, can be achieved only by the earliest diagnosis and urgent referral. Strabismic amblyopia caused by acquired convergent strabismus occurring, almost always, in the 18 months to four year age group is a totally preventable condition and referral is a daytime emergency. The simple pinhole test is described to differentiate clearly simple refractive errors from the serious, more urgent, organic causes of poor vision. Practical comments concerning congenital nystagmus and primary reading problems (dyslexia) are included.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pratt-Johnson