Eye Problems in Autistic Kids

Did you know that the risk and prevalence of certain eye problems is greater in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1.85% of children in the United States and is increasing in prevalence. For quite some there was the suspicion that kids with ASD might be at greater risk for certain eye disorders such as amblyopia, strabismus, optic neuropathy, nystagmus and even retinopathy of prematurity. Recently researchers reporting in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reviewed data from over 10 million children and found the prevalence in non ASD kids to be 3.5% and in ASD kids 12.5%. They concluded that ASD kids had about three times the likelihood of having these eye problems and suggested further studies to understand if the severity of the ASD might be related to the eye problems.

If you or someone you know has a child with ASD it would be important to schedule an eye exam. Please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, or Facebook.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1003 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.