Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:03
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Refractive Errors, Amblyopia Risk, and Prenatal Factors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional
Mingmei Liu1,2,3, Junjun Wang1,2,3, Liyu Ren1,2,3
1Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
International Journal of General Medicine
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have higher rates of refractive errors and amblyopia risk factors (ARFs), influenced by prenatal factors. Many require but do not receive vision correction, highlighting a care gap.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Ocular health, including refractive errors and amblyopia risk factors (ARFs), is crucial for development.
- Limited research exists on the specific visual profiles of children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of refractive errors and ARFs in children with ASD.
- To investigate the association between prenatal factors and ocular conditions in children with ASD.
- To identify unmet visual care needs in children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 436 children with ASD and 508 controls (aged 2-9 years).
- Refractive status assessed using Spot Vision Screener; ARFs evaluated per AAPPOS guidelines.
- Prenatal data (delivery mode, maternal weight gain, emotional symptoms) collected via surveys; statistical analysis using SPSS.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD showed higher rates of refractive errors (42.7% vs 36.8%) and ARFs (15.4% vs 8.3%) compared to controls.
- Hyperopia and astigmatism were most common; 90% of children with ASD needing correction had uncorrected refractive errors.
- Cesarean delivery and maternal emotional symptoms were significantly associated with ASD and ocular issues.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD have a greater burden of refractive errors and ARFs, influenced by prenatal factors.
- A significant gap exists in vision correction for children with ASD.
- Early detection, intervention, and management of prenatal risks are vital for improving visual and developmental outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:16Focusing of Light in the Eye
Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...