Refractive errors in children
Refractive Errors in Children
- 1 cause of lazy eye.
- Affects 20% of children.
What are Refractive Errors in Children?
Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism occur when the eye cannot focus light properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision. These errors can have serious consequences, especially in children, since the visual system develops during the first years of life.
If left uncorrected, refractive errors can contribute to the development of lazy eye (amblyopia). When a child has myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, the blurry image sent to the brain causes it to suppress the image from the affected eye, leading to vision problems in that eye.
What Causes Refractive Errors?
The ability of the eye to focus is determined by:
-
The cornea and crystalline lens: These parts of the eye converge light and focus images onto the retina.
-
Axial length: The distance between the front and back of the eyeball. A longer eye causes myopia (nearsightedness), while a shorter eye causes hyperopia (farsightedness).
-
Myopia: Can increase as the child grows if the axial length of the eye continues to elongate.
-
Hyperopia: Does not typically increase with age, but may decrease if the eye lengthens during development.
How Can Refractive Errors Be Prevented?
While refractive errors cannot be prevented, early detection is crucial. Parents and teachers should look out for signs of poor vision in children. A child should undergo an eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to diagnose the error. The exam may involve dilating eye drops to prevent the eye from compensating for the error, allowing for a precise measurement of the eye’s optical power in diopters.
Symptoms
Parents and caregivers may notice visual difficulties if a child:
- Holds objects very close to the eyes.
- Moves clumsily or seems unaware of things in the distance.
- Has difficulty reading or focusing on distant objects.
Such behaviors may prompt an eye exam, which can detect refractive errors.
Treatments
Refractive errors can be corrected by adjusting the eye's focusing power. Correction methods include:
- Glasses: Typically the first choice for younger children.
- Contact lenses: For older children or those who prefer them over glasses.
- Refractive surgery: For children who are older and if their eyes have fully developed.
The best method depends on the child's age, the type of refractive error, and their specific needs. Glasses are usually the preferred option, but the choice should be made in consultation with the parents and ophthalmologist.