Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are common vision conditions that can affect children as well as adults. In children, refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina (light sensitive area), leading to blurred or distorted vision. Early detection and management of refractive errors are crucial for a child’s development and learning.
Refractive errors are usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia (Shortsightedness) Close objects are clear, but distant objects are blurry. Myopia is becoming more common in children due to factors like increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.
Hypermetropia (Longsightedness): Distant objects may be clearer than close ones. Hypermetropia can sometimes go unnoticed in children, as their natural focusing ability may compensate.
Astigmatism: This occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Detecting and correcting refractive errors early in childhood is essential. Uncorrected refractive errors can lead to eyestrain, headaches, difficulty in schoolwork, and a higher risk of developing lazy eye (amblyopia).
Parents and caregivers should watch for these signs that a child may have a refractive error:
- Frequent squinting or rubbing of the eyes.
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close.
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking.
- Tilted or turned head while looking at objects.
- Complaints of headaches, eye discomfort, or double vision.
If you suspect a refractive error in your child, a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is recommended. Correcting refractive errors can usually be achieved with eyeglasses or contact lenses tailored to the child’s needs.
Yes, babies can have refractive errors. Early detection and intervention are important for healthy vision development.
While some children’s prescriptions stabilise, refractive errors are unlikely to be outgrown this is largely depending on the degree of refractive error. Regular eye exams ensure timely correction.
Surgery is not usually the first-line treatment for children. Glasses or contact lenses are the most common and effective methods of correction.
Glasses in Children
Glasses are prescribed for children to improve vision, prevent and treat amblyopia or to correct eye muscle problems.
Myopia: (short sightedness) Light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. Glasses help to focus the rays of light onto the retina. Vision is reduced for distance.
Hypermetropia: (long sightedness) Light focuses behind, instead of on, the retina Glasses help to focus the rays of light onto the retina. Vision may be reduced for near and distance.
Astigmatism: The front of the eye (the cornea) is an irregular shape; often described as a “rugby ball”. This means that the rays of light cannot be clearly focused onto the retina. Both distance and near vision can be affected.
Anisometropia: One eye is more long or short sighted than the other; each eye has a different focus. Therefore one lens will be stronger and will look thicker than the other.
Eye Misalignment: There is a link between the focusing muscles, which bring the eyes together when looking at objects close up. Some children with Hypermetropia over focus making the eyes turn in. This refractive esotropia may be fully correctable with glasses.
Encourage your child to embrace their glasses as a tool to see clearly. Choose frames that fit comfortably and reflect their personality.
Children’s Books on Glasses:
- Arlo Nees glasses by Barney Saltzberg
- Peppa Pig: Peppa’s first glasses
- Luna and the Big Blur by Shirley Day
- Princess Peepers by Pam Calvert
- Ii can see just fine by Eric Barclay
- Douglas you need glasses by Ged Adamson
- Fancy Nancy and the Spectacular Spectacles by Jane O’Connor
In almost all cases, the glasses should be worn all day every day to allow the brain to learn to recognise clear images and to give the most benefit. Some schools ask that the children remove their glasses for sport and playtime. Discuss with your Orthoptist what the best option is for your child. If school insists, please make sure your child or teacher replaces the glasses for the rest of the day.
Today’s glasses come in various styles and colours, often boosting a child’s self-confidence. Proper vision helps children perform well in school and activities.
Some children can transition to contact lenses as they grow older. Discuss this option with your eye care professional.
This is a common complaint, especially in the early days of glasses wear. It is important that you encourage your child to persevere as it does take time for the eyes and brain to adjust to the new lenses. If your child needs a prescription for only one eye they may not notice any improvement with the glasses on.
This will depend on the strength of the glasses, development of the eyes and whether the glasses are required as part of the treatment for a squint or lazy eye. In some cases we won’t know until later.
Many people feel that the glasses make the vision worse, and make the child reliant on glasses. This is not true the eyes are not becoming worse, the child is becoming intolerant of the poor vision he/she has without them.
Select a frame that you and your child like. If possible involve your child in the selection, as he/she will be wearing the glasses. The frames you select should be comfortable, safe, sturdy and attractive. Ask advice from your optometrist which glasses are the most suitable for your child.
It is important that parents, teachers and other family members are positive about the glasses. Don’t make a huge fuss about the glasses. Encourage the child to believe that the glasses suit him/her. Casually point out other children or adults with glasses and comment on how nice they look.
If your child is a baby or toddlers, try to distract them as soon as you put the glasses on. If your child removes them, replace them. If your child continues to remove them, put them aside for a while and try again later. Don’t allow it to become a game or battle between you.
- Arlo Nees glasses by Barney Saltzberg
- Peppa Pig: Peppa’s first glasses
- Luna and the Big Blur by Shirley Day
- Princess Peepers by Pam Calvert
- Ii can see just fine by Eric Barclay
- Douglas you need glasses by Ged Adamson
- Fancy Nancy and the Spectacular Spectacles by Jane O’Connor
An Illustration of Glasses Correction
Myopia: (Shortsightedness) Light focuses in front of the retina instead of on the retina. Glasses help to focus the rays of light onto the retina. Vision is reduced for distance.
Hypermetropia: (longsightedness) Light focuses behind the retina instead of on the retina. Glasses help to focus the rays of light onto the retina. Vision may be reduced for near and distance.
Astigmatism: The front of the eye (the cornea) is an irregular shape; often described as a “rugby ball”. This means that the rays of light cannot be clearly focused onto the retina. Both distance and near vision can be affected.
Important Note
The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and personalised medical advice.